It is reported that John Swinney is "actively considering" running for party leader at the urging of colleagues. This surprises me. Not that John Swinney was urged to enter the SNP leadership contest. Given his status, that is understandable. What surprises me is that he is prepared to actively consider the matter. I would have thought he'd avoid the poisoned chalice.
Having said that, I have no doubt John Swinney would make a good (interim) leader. His standing in the independence movement has certainly suffered on account of his close association with Nicola Sturgeon. But that loyalty is one of the qualities that wins respect within the party.
No horses will be scared in the making of a John Swinney leadership. He could be just the man to bring about some healing. He could be good for the party and for the country. But can he provide leadership for Scotland's cause? It seems unlikely.
It hardly need be said that John Swinney would be a better choice than any of the others being suggested as candidates for the SNP leadership. He's the only one who might restore competent government and sort out the party's internal issues. He could at least stop matters getting any worse. But is that enough?
It might well be enough for the party membership. And I suspect John Swinney would be a popular choice with voters. On the constitutional issue, however, I am not at all convinced he is built for the kind of confrontational politics that will be required if Scotland's independence is to be restored.
Despite those doubts, I hope John Swinney does enter the leadership contest. If only because I reckon he'd be a good influence on the conduct of the election. He could be expected to set a standard of debate that other candidates would have to match. And if he wins? The best I can say is that it would do no harm. That's a huge consideration at the moment.
As you say, it is an interim job for a couple of years or so. Time enough to mend the party and repair polices.