However, the Anniesland result left the SNP's reputation as giant killers looking decidedly tattered.
The SNP argues that independence will boost tourism by decreasing corporation tax, which could increase business investment.
The First Minister replied that the SNP had had three different positions on the subject in a week.
BBC: NEWS | Programmes | BBC Parliament | Scotland: First Minister's Questions (11/03/04)
The SNP's Jim Sillars took the seat in the by-election which followed his departure.
Labour wants to merge them into one single force, and the SNP also wants a reduction.
However, the SNP government is talking rather less about a Norwegian-style oil fund these days.
Ministers said the figures showed the SNP's pledge on maintaining police officer numbers was being maintained.
The SNP was the biggest single party in Aberdeenshire after last year's election, with 28 councillors.
The SNP's soft touch policy on sentencing undermines our efforts to tackle this problem.
Could the Lib Dems and the SNP find common cause to derail the independents?
Scottish Labour's health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie accused the SNP of "picking a fight" with Westminster.
The SNP came in at 27%, the Tories 22% and the Liberal Democrats at 13%.
The SNP swept to victory in last week's election, winning 69 of the 129 seats.
The SNP can count on the support of the Liberal Democrats for minimum pricing.
Ms Goldie said the SNP plan was manifestly flawed and that VCs offered a unique service.
The SNP has said that Trident would have to go in an independent Scotland.
If the SNP cannot accept the Nato Strategic Concept then it will simply not get in.
Rhona Brankin (Labour) said the SNP was guilty of playing politics with Scottish Opera.
Labour's Holyrood leader Iain Gray said the SNP had "got it wrong" with the economy.
The Greens are the only Holyrood party, aside from the SNP, which backs Scottish independence.
He said the SNP would commit funds to building a station at Blackridge in West Lothian.
Jim repeats the common complaint about the SNP spending too much time talking about oil.
Highland Council's administration is led by the SNP and involves Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors.
But the SNP said the Tory-led campaign group would only increase support for Scottish independence.
It was, said Prof Curtice, "just a reminder that the SNP's political antennae are not perfect".
The SNP, in power in Edinburgh as the Scottish government, argues for full independence for Scotland.
Peter Grant, leader of Fife Council, has been nominated by the SNP to contest the seat.
This election will be the first since the SNP won a majority in the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP said the plan had won key support from groups including unions and youth organisations.
The SNP wants greater borrowing powers, control over corporation tax and devolution of the Crown Estates.
应用推荐