The anger of the SNP

Within moments of last night’s debate, the smaller parties were falling over themselves to get at the BBC to appear before the electorate. They needn't have bothered as they all said the same thing. We weren’t involved; it was a boring debate and the real issue of the campaign, in other words the one we feel most passionately about, (Europe for UKIP, Race for the BNP, Environment for the Greens etc.) was ignored by the main parties.

One stand out exception however, was the SNP. Angus Robertson was the angriest of the lot of them. (On a side note, I have met Angus Robertson once before, and he seemed quite a pleasant guy; though he won’t remember me).

But why the anger? The SNP are the government in Scotland, the chance of a hung parliament could mean increased influence at Westminster, surely things aren’t too bad for the SNP?

But there is a problem. The SNP share of the vote is the same as the last general election. But this is down from the last Holyrood elections, so it will feel as though they have gone backwards. Secondly, with every passing debate that Nick Clegg performs well in, it is doubly galling for the SNP.

The SNP leader, Alex Salmond is certainly the most intelligent and charismatic politician in Scottish politics, if not the whole of the UK. If Clegg could be doing this well against Brown and Cameron, just think what Salmond would be able to achieve? Hence the SNP's frustration.

Of course there is also the small matter of the Scottish electorate. The polls certainly seem to suggest the SNP are in second place. (http://www.ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/scottish-voting-intention) Also, will they turnout in greater numbers for a Westminster election, rather than Holyrood? Is it possible the Scottish see Westminster as a more important election?