Election 07

On the road

• Brian Taylor
• 8 Apr 07, 04:32 PM

It’s Easter weekend, it’s warm and sunny where I am and Dundee United just beat Aberdeen 4-2 (Nice one, lads)! So what else is there to do but top up the election blog?

Well, of course, the political leaders have been out scouring for every votes - in every part of the country. The first minister has embarked on a wide-ranging tour of Scottish constituencies. Every other party is similarly hitting the road.

Why so geographically diverse? Why not just focus on key marginals? Why spread yourselves so thinly?

Every vote counts, that’s why.

That isn’t just a political platitude to rank alongside “the only poll that matters is on election day” and “I have every confidence in my leader”. This one’s true.

Scotland’s top-up list system means that every vote, quite literally, counts. Think you’re in a safe seat - where a primate could win, wearing the right party affiliation? Think again. You’re also part of a much wider region - and your list vote could be the difference between victory and defeat for a regional candidate.

This time, the second shall be first. The ballot paper’s been redrawn to put the two Holyrood votes together: list vote on the left - visually first. The constituency vote is on the right.

That’s why you’re seeing parties who look for seats primarily or solely on the list talking about “First Vote my party..."

But the majors are taking the list very seriously too. The SNP frankly neglected this aspect in 2003 - and slumped badly as the vote spread to a rainbow of Red and Green. This time they’re billing that regional vote as the chance to choose a first minister.

Rather naughty - and it’s annoyed some rivals. Strictly, the regional vote “corrects” any imbalance from the constituency vote. But it indicates the huge importance attached to this regional contest.

As I write, I’m glancing at a leaflet from the Tories in my patch. It says they’re out for more constituency seats - but frankly acknowledges that they get most of their MSPs from the list. In essence, it’s a plea for folk to split the ticket if they can’t vote Tory throughout.

LibDems, too, have thoroughly grasped the concept of list canvassing. They’ll be out in all areas, not just the constituency seats they hold.

Finally, let me add: Daly, Hunt and Cameron (2). The United goalscorers. Oh, come on, after the past few seasons, I’m allowed to gloat.

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