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Hello and welcome to you the edition. The spectators look at some of the most

intriguing and important issues within the week's magazine. I'm Lara Prendergast.

This week, polls now show a majority of Scots support independence.

So how is First Minister Nicola Sturgeon persuaded the nation despite the shortcomings of her government?

Plus, does spending more money on overseas aid really mean that we care more?

And finally, have we all fallen victim to inappropriate casualness?

First up, Alex Massey writes in this week's cover piece about the Sturgeon paradox.

Why, he asks, does her popularity keep growing, even though she has failed to deliver on education, health and COVID-19.

To discuss, Alex joins me now alongside Andrew Wilson, former SMP Shadow Finance spokesperson and founder of Charlotte Street Partners.

Alex, you say in your piece this week that before coronavirus, Nicholas Sturgeon's position

looked a little bit shaky, but not too bad, but the virus has changed everything.

Can you explain to listeners how she's now seen in Scotland?

Well, I mean, Nicholas Turgeon has had a very good year.

There is no point in denying that.

Indeed, Douglas Ross, the new leader of the Scottish Conservative Party,

you know, made the point the other day that when it comes to dealing with the virus,

in terms of her

communication, her ability to inspire and instill confidence in the people, that sense that the

government has a plan, knows what it's doing, is realistic about the scale of the challenges here.

...