I have stated those polls are old and likely wrong thanks to the pitiful tactics of prime minister Mariano Rajoy.

A new last-minute poll suggests I have this correct.

A SENSATIONAL new poll which The National is publishing on the eve of the Catalan independence referendum shows an upsurge in support for independence that varies dramatically depending on whether or not Spain's central government boycotts the vote.

The telephone poll was carried out over the last three weeks and completed on Thursday, but the results could not be published in Catalonia. They were released to The National yesterday.

Two scenarios were put to a sample of nearly 3300 voters: "With the current situation in Catalonia, with Spanish government and main Spanish political parties calling for a boycott of the referendum," and "a referendum agreed with the Spanish authorities".