ONE of the country’s smallest authorities, Inverclyde’s only option for a majority-run council lies with the SNP, with Labour fielding just enough to form a coalition.

Run by Labour since 2007 and fronted by the combative Stephen McCabe, the SNP believes it is within touching distance of local power for the first time.

The area spans the south shores of the Firth of Clyde from Port Glasgow to the Wemyss Bay ferry terminal, taking in Greenock, Gourock and the affluent Kilmacolm.

The SNP, headed by deputy leadership contender Chris McEleny, will put up 12 candidates, one more than the required number for a majority, while Labour will field just nine.

The area faces issues of depopulation, with concerns over the impact on services at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, but while national issues are dominating the doorstep discussion, support for the odd popular local Independent, of whom 10 are standing, could be crucial – as could social media.

Mr McCabe, observers claim, has, on top of the SNP and Tories in his ward, a battle against a Port Glasgow school janitor to contend with.

Mr McEleny has the Independent Ronnie Ahlfeld, who secured the highest percentage of first preference votes in 2012, as one of his challengers in Gourock. An independence-supporting Labour candidate is also standing in Inverclyde, along with a community activist successfully sued by former Rangers chairman Sandy Easdale for defamation.

One source said: “Stephen McCabe faces a tough battle to get back in and has told some people he won’t be back. But that’s likely a bit of gamesmanship.

“He’s certainly recognisable across the authority, both in the local media and on social media.

“People who follow local politics will recognise his regular rows with Chris McEleny and you can be sure many in Labour and the SNP wish the pair would put the smart- phones down.

“On paper, May 4 says SNP. But if they don’t get the majority then the others would probably be more prepared to do a deal with Labour.”