THE Bute House Agreement is dying and the only question is when it will be taken to the morgue.
Even if the Scottish Greens stick with the SNP next month, it is hard to imagine the deal surviving until the next election.
Three very different forces are pulling it apart.
The first is left wing members of the Greens who believe their party has been tainted by the compromises of government.
They believe they could put more pressure on the government from outside the tent, free of reputational damage.
Humza survival may hinge on cutting ties and going it alone
The second force is centreright SNP figures who detest the Greens and dismiss them as a bunch of crazies and oddballs.
Backbencher Fergus Ewing and failed leadership contender Kate Forbes are in this group.
More worryingly for Humza Yousaf, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater is that some SNP government figures also think the deal should be scrapped.
The clock is ticking and a growing number of people in both parties believe the "historic" agreement should be consigned to the past.
A basic audit of the deal raises questions about the so-called benefits of the partnership.
The Greens have swallowed cuts to the housing and further education budgets, and a council tax freeze hated by members.
A party leadership that talks big on the environment also agreed to get rid of legal targets for tackling climate change.
Yousaf also needs to question what his party is getting out of this deal. He saddled Scots with higher income tax - a key Green demand and became embroiled in petty rows about a bottle-return scheme and banning wood-burning stoves.
Yousaf gets all of the blame for the activities of the Greens and none of the credit when the occasional thing goes right.
This story is from the April 24, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 24, 2024 edition of Daily Record.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
JORDAN FIGHT
Supersub White grabs winner as Staggies roar back to climb out of bottom two
NICKY FEELS FIFTY
NICKY DEVLIN made his 50th appearance of the season but is just gutted Aberdeen’s season has come up short.
INVINCIBLE..UNBEATABLE
Nesbitt dubs Bairns' seasonlong achievement 'pinnacle' as he copies his Celtic heroes
HOOK LINE® AND BLINKER
Race isn't over yet but it's getting close as Phil takes 'fun' bait... catch is to somehow make this group believable again as signs now point to Bren reeling in another title
Hit me with your rhythm stick..? It's PATHETIC
Jak dubs slow play talk just excuses as he finally motors
My Sandra was so much more than Lucan's victim
LORD Lucan has been one of Britain's most infamous murderers for 50 years but his victim, nanny Sandra Rivett, has long been overlooked.
I'm 35 & feel my maternal clock ticking
Strictly Katya on quest for work-life balance
TEEN ASSAULTED KIDS' HOME STAFF EVERY DAY
Violence and sex threats a daily nightmare STAFF at a children's home were attacked every day by a boy resident who made \"horrific\" threats of sexual violence against them.
Brain butcher Eljamel is operating on babies
Disgraced surgeon pictured treating tot as Scots victims wait for justice
GIZZA JOB
Actor's breakout role as Yosser ignited 50-film