Try as they might, Labour just can’t make a dent in the SNP’s poll progress.
It seems that no matter what tactics Jim Murphy and his team adopt, we’ve seen dire warnings over full fiscal autonomy and now we’re on to the prospect of “indyref2”, little mud will stick on Nicola Sturgeon and co.
A new survey reveals that not only have the Nationalists seemingly extended their lead further over their main rivals, their voters are also more likely to turn out next Thursday.
A double dose of bad news for the Scottish Labour leader.
Research by TNS puts the SNP at 54% (+2), Lab 22% (-2), Con 13% (0), LD 6% (0), Green 2% (-1), UKIP 2% (+1).
It also shows folk think Nicola Sturgeon will try to get the best deal for Scotland from the House of Commons, with two-fifths backing her to stick up for the country’s interests compared to just 8% for Murphy. Pretty damning stuff.
So should Labour throw in the towel?
Not quite. There are glimmers of hope for those of a red persuasion to cling to.
One is the same poll which puts them miles adrift also shows 29% of those certain to vote are still undecided.
Those people are now key and, if Labour strategists are feeling hugely optimistic, could potentially be equated with the “quiet No” voters who determined the referendum.
Then there’s research from YouGov claiming one in seven people are prepared to cast their ballot tactically.
If we truly are facing the prospect of folk voting on how they view the constitution, however depressing that is, then this will presumably benefit Labour as candidates pick up some support from traditional Tories or Lib Dems who want to keep the SNP out.
Scraping by on borrowed votes from parties who are traditionally sworn enemies at Westminster might seem like an unedifying way to win seats.
But Labour’s top team won’t care if it means they avoid what currently looks like an inevitable annihilation.