Nevertheless, it was a challenge to the legitimacy of the new Parliament on who speaks for Scotland. The Scottish political system has long been defined and distorted by Labour s one party dominance of Scotland - based primarily in the West of Scotland. This is coming slowly to an end with the introduction of proportional representation for the Scottish Parliament. No party has an overall majority, nor is one likely to in the foreseeable future, so we have the novelty of coalition government. The political system is slowly shifting to a more pluralist, fragmented political system.
Different scenarios are possible.
One, Labour continues its historic role as Scotland s leading party on a slightly lower vote with a more competitive political system. Two, Labour and SNP develop a two party system with the Lib Dems and Conservatives reduced to marginal parts. This scenario looked likely in the summer of 1998 when the SNP built up a significant lead in the polls over Labour with the Lib Dems and Tories reduced to single figures. Already the SSP has a more significant level of electoral support in Parliamentary by-elections than Jim Sillars much vaunted and media friendly Scottish Labour Party secured in the 1970s. One of the crucial divides will be between liberal values and conservatism.