Alex Salmond’s political future hangs in the balance now that the electorate has rejected his dream of Scottish independence.
Earlier this year he vowed to serve out his term as first minister if there was a No vote in the referendum.
He told a radio phone-in programme he had been elected on a pledge to hold the historic vote and would continue even if defeated.
“I will discharge my responsibility,” he told listeners.
“I was elected as first minister in 2011, and I would like to serve out my term.”
Of course, Mr Salmond made that claim on the assumption that Scotland would reject its 300-year union with the other rest of the UK.
It could be argued, remaining in office will be good for the country as it would provide continuity at the top of government.
Remaining first minister would also allow him to ensure that Scotland get the best deal possible deal out of the referendum pledges for more devolution made by the three main UK parties.
However, Mr Salmond has spent the past seven years in office relentlessly campaigning for independence and staked his political career – even if unwittingly – on yesterday’s ballot.
Surveys carried out before the referendum showed high public satisfaction for the way he does his job.
If the public thinks the first minister has tried to sell them a pig in a poke all that could change.
Even his fanatical supporters in the SNP may have second thoughts and want to see new blood at the top.
Rumblings in the party could see growing pressure for the 59-year-old Mr Salmond step aside in favour of his 44-year-old deputy Nicola Sturgeon.
Having received an bloody nose at the ballot box, Mr Salmond will be considering his options.
Will he jump or will he be pushed?
More may become apparent when Mr Salmond makes a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday. The odds are on Mr Salmond digging in his heels for now and remaining at his desk in St Andrews House.
But what happens between now and November when the SNP gather in Perth for their annual conference could change matters considerably.