Best strategy for SNP would driving down waiting lists and reviving public services
About half of the population backs independence and the SNP is the main political party supporting this policy.
So it is only right that the SNP produces a plan for how it intends to deliver an objective shared by many Scots. Recent years have seen the SNP lose credibility among some supporters on this front.
Nicola Sturgeon promised IndyRef2 on several occasions but a referendum never materialised. She even tried to introduce a referendum over the heads of Westminster but was thwarted in the courts. John Swinney's intervention clarifying what he sees as the mechanism for another IndyRef is therefore understandable. He says an outright SNP majority, as was achieved in 2011, should be the trigger for a referendum.
The First Minister says the precedent exists and Westminster would be obliged to accede to the SNP's demands. The problem with Swinney's announcement in the Record is that it again focuses on process.
Talking of the requirement for an SNP majority is bold but it overlooks the reasons for his party's poor poll rating compared with the Sturgeon era. Public support for independence will only increase if voters are satisfied with the performance of the Scottish Government. But on the NHS, schools and local government, a chunk of the public sees the SNP as presiding over failure and stagnation.
The best independence strategy for the SNP would be to drive down waiting lists and lead a revival in public services. No opinion poll in recent years has shown the SNP on course for an overall majority at Holyrood. They have to sort out their record in government before voters will give them a hearing on independence.
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Vapes an escape
A study shows teenage vapers and smokers have higher rates of depression and anxiety than other youngsters. It is not clear if using addictive substances causes poor mental health or it's what young people turn to when they feel they need something to help.
But the extensive study shows a clear association with vaping and smoking and mental health issues. The authors have concluded that offering young people support to deal with depression and anxiety is crucial.
When we see teens vaping and smoking, it may not be rebellion but a symptom io someone struggling to cope. It is vital young people get the support they need so they don't need to turn to any form of addiction to deal with the challenges of life.
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