Scots give Salmond the thumbs-up in new poll

A year after leading the SNP to a historic election victory, Alex Salmond is still enjoying a strong personal standing among Scots, according to an exclusive poll for Scotland on Sunday.

The poll was commissioned to mark the first anniversary of the Holyrood elections, and provides a unique insight into what Scotland thinks of Salmond.

SNP depute leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP said:

"Just last week, the same polling company showed that the SNP's ratings had surged by 7 points since the election to 40%. A year into government and the honeymoon continues, on the back of solid policy delivery.

"Earlier this month, some of our key measures took effect including freezing the Council Tax to deliver relief for hard pressed households, cutting business rates to boost the economy and jobs, abolishing prescription charges to end the tax on ill health in this 60th anniversary year of the NHS, and scrapping the graduate endowment to restore free education in Scotland. We have abolished bridge tolls, and are scrapping prescription charges and delivering 1,000 more police officers on Scotland's streets.

"And the latest poll figures show that the people of Scotland trust Alex Salmond and the SNP government to deliver. We are repaying that trust by breathing new life into Scottish democracy, and strengthening our great public services.

"With the vast majority of people viewing Alex Salmond as standing up for Scotland, and as a strong leader in touch with the concerns of the people of Scotland, it is clear that as we approach the first anniversary of the SNP's election success, the Scottish people know they made the right decision.

"The SNP are continuing to lead in the opinion polls and at by-elections across the country. With independence now edging ahead of the status quo - reversing a 15 point gap last summer - it is clear that the SNP's successful record in government is meeting the ambitions of the Scottish people."

The Scotland on Sunday/Scottish Opinion poll contacted 757 adults across Scotland between 21 & 25th April.

Asked what statements they associated with Alex Salmond:

69% felt he stands up for Scotland

68% felt he is intelligent

53% felt he is likeable

43% felt he is honest

When asked negative questions more people disagreed than agreed with the statements. Examples are:

Weak: No 64% Yes 12%

Out of touch with people's concerns: No 45% Yes 27%

"Sexist": No 63% Yes 7%

"Conceited": No 49%. Yes 24%