As I sat in the media gallery at Holyrood this week, witnessing the new Programme for Government, my thoughts turned to the First Minister.

Not John Swinney. Rather, I contemplated Jack McConnell, his Labour predecessor. On assuming office in November 2001, after a turbulent period for his party, Mr McConnell suggested that his aim would be to “do less, better.”

It was, in truth, a somewhat awkward phrase. But the strategy was eminently sensible. Address the pressing concerns of the people. In short, get it right.

John Swinney has, wisely, eschewed the McConnell phrase book. But he has, to a degree, borrowed the tactical approach of his astute Labour counterpart. The present FM is narrowing focus, hoping thereby to retain support.

No more, he hopes, the internal and external disputes over gender identity. No more, he trusts, the stultifying pursuit of process with regard to the SNP objective of independence.

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Rather, he seeks to arise to the age of anxiety. To respond to voter concerns – the NHS, the cost of living, energy bills, the broad economy. And to tender specific, spotlighted solutions.

At the same time, his strategy involves contrasting his endeavours with what he depicts as the failings of the UK Labour government.

Scarcely, I concede, a complex strategy. But, once more, eminently sensible. Folk are worried – and want credible answers to discernible problems.

This week, indeed, we were bathed in simplicity. With a year to go until the next Holyrood elections, each of the political parties tried out the core strategies which they believe will entice support.

For the Tories,

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