This has not been the week John Swinney was looking for. On Tuesday, at Holyrood, his new government created and won a vote to approve a request to Westminster for the power to hold another independence referendum. It’s political theatre, of course, and everyone knows the Labour government at Westminster will not grant one, but nonetheless the First Minister and his team will have had their news grid planned and would have hoped that their raison d’etre would have dominated the political and public discourse.

Nobody noticed. We’ve all been busy looking at what Peter Murrell bought on the SNP’s debit card, and wondering why anyone could possibly need that many hoovers. 

In the final analysis, though, Mr Swinney may be grateful for the distraction. His government, and his party, are not ready for independence, and therefore they are not ready for an independence referendum.

And therein lies the defining issue of this session of Parliament and Government. Not campervans and fountain pens, or indeed the public future of Nicola Sturgeon; but whether Mr Swinney chooses to manage decline elegantly or to transform and rewire his country. Both are eminently viable, and neither outcome could be considered a surprise.

No matter who wins election we need to cut taxes and spending

Forget the yachts; Offord and Greer are having a real debate

A dismal campaign, but we can make politics better

Another independence referendum is the last thing John Swinney needs

The first step for Mr Swinney and his team is,........

© Herald Scotland