Update on DC Thomson poll


So we have more info on the DC Thomson poll.

There are some reports that the questions asked were pretty standard and did indeed ask specifically about Alba, although the popularity ratings result still look very suspicious to me, that could be an in-house bias with the polling company or evidence that the concerted effort from all political sides, including the SNP, has had the desired effect.

Someone on ScotGoesPop suggested that the fieldwork was from the 18th of March, but that doesn't make sense and the official fieldwork dates are given as 29-30 March.

That's probably as quick as you could possibly put together a poll after the launch of Alba so we're still left with the impression that this was a rush job to try and kill off Alba before they had any chance to make any headway in the polls.

And indeed the unionists and SNP loyalists have jumped on it as proof that Alba is dead in the water.

However, others seem quite reassured and positive that Alba managed 3% just 3 days after they'd launched.

Like I've said before, it's too early to call it based on one poll which clearly looks like it was commissioned with the intention of doing damage to Alex Salmond and Alba.

I would still point to the 17% polled who think the contributions of Alex Salmond are helping the independence movement as evidence that Alba is still in the game and the headlines of it being over are premature, to say the least.

Remember Alex Salmond is a formidable campaigner and took independence from the low 20% to 45% on the day of the first indyref. 

Also, If Alex Salmond is successful with his OFCOM action to force broadcasters to include him in televised debates, then that could be a game-changer.

However, OFCOM and the broadcasters could try and use the results of this poll as evidence that Alba are too small to be included.

So we really need more polls before that decision is taken to prove otherwise.

Time will tell

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