LIB DEMS HIT HISTORIC POLL LOW

For immediate use: Friday 22nd October 2010

Attn: NEWSDESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS

PARTY THE PRICE FOR CONSERVATIVE COALITION

The latest opinion poll figures from YouGov show the Lib Dems decision to
help the Conservatives deliver severe cuts to Scotland’s economy and to
close one or more RAF bases in Scotland has seen their poll position
plummet to its lowest level for Westminster elections since 1991 and to
the lowest level at Holyrood since devolution.

The Yougov poll, of 1405 voters between 18 and 20 October 2010 showed the
Lib Dems at 8% in the constituency vote and 8% in the regional vote, their
lowest rating since 1998.

For Westminster the Lib Dems polled 7%.  The last time they polled less
than this was in 1991 when they won only 6% of support in an opinion poll.

•       The last time the Lib Dems polled 8% in the constituency vote was May
2001(System 3)
•       The last time the Lib Dems polled 8% in the regional vote was 1998 (ICM)
•       The last time the Lib Dems polled 7% or less for Westminster was a 6%
rating in 1991 ( system 3)


SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Christine Grahame said:

“It is clear from this poll that Lib Dem voters are deeply disappointed.
From historic highs in the Westminster election, the Lib Dem deal with the
Tories has pushed the party to historic lows.

“No Lib Dem voter voted for the a party that would cruelly cut mobility
allowance for people in care homes, push up VAT, close RAF bases in the
North of Scotland, support tuition fees for students in England, back new
trident nuclear weapons, fund new nuclear energy plants or privatise the
Royal Mail – yet that is what they have done.

“With so many policies and principles dropped in the first five months of
Lib Dem government people across Scotland will be deeply worried about the
next 4 and half years.

“The SNP remains firmly opposed to trident nuclear weapons, to new nuclear
power stations, tuition fees for students and to privatising Royal Mail
and is doing what we can in the Scottish Government to combat the burden
of VAT, National Insurance and tax hikes by freezing the council tax,
abolishing prescription charges and putting in place a living wage in the
public sector.

“The SNP is committed to working with people across Scotland to make
Scotland better.  Together people and politicians we can make a difference
and preserve the values at the heart of Scottish society not see them sold
out by the Liberal Democrats.”

ENDS

1.      Yougov poll of 1,405 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th -
20th October 2010.
2.      Lib Dems polled 7% for Westminster, 8% for Holyrood constituency and 8%
for Holyrood regional vote
3.       Previous Lib Dem low points.
•       May 2001 with System Three for the Herald – last time at 8% for
constituency vote.
•       November 1998 ICM for the Scotsman – last time at 8% for regional vote.
•       September 1996 System Three for the Herald – last time at 7% for
Westminster.
•       February 1991 was the last time the Lib Dems were below 7% for
•       Westminster, according to the System Three polls archive (6%).