Country likely to become ungovernable

Sir,—The fairly recent invasion of Parliament by hunt supporters was described as “an attack on democracy”.

It certainly seems to bring the UK one step nearer to complete anarchy against a background of overcrowded prisons, increasingly antisocial behaviour, and low election turn-outs.

The trouble is that people today—many of whom are normally law-abiding—want a bigger say on issues that affect their lives and they are no longer content to leave it to the “will of Parliament”, especially when politicians generally are held in such low public esteem.

The answer may be to adopt a Swiss style of Government, under which certain controversial issues can be voted on by ordinary people, instead of letting them vote only once every five years for a political party.

This would reduce the risk of bribery and corruption in the political process and make Parliament more relevant to disaffected voters, particularly the young.

The country seems likely to become increasingly ungovernable under the present system, where politicians virtually ignore the public until election time.

It's not exactly rocket science

Sir,—Thank you for publicising the problems experienced at Auchtermuchty’s ‘clockwork bank’ recently. A couple of points were raised by the bank’s response to the criticisms, and I would like to put the record straight on those.

Yes, there is a “notice inside the branch asking people to contact the nearest staffed branch, situated in Cupar”, but the number given is merely the first step on the telephone merry- go-round which HBOS now relies on, and does not connect you with anyone who cares, or is able to do anything about any faults.

You cannot, in any way, contact a branch directly. You must use their ‘Telephone Banking System’, give out all manner of personal information, including bank sort codes and account numbers, and then be told that they have “spoken with the staff at the branch and reported the fault” when you are actually standing inside the totally unmanned branch, and trying not to laugh at the comedy of the situation.

They also stated that they had experienced some teething problems which still had to be ironed out. They have had two years. How much longer will it take?

At 12.15 pm on Monday, September 27, the pay-in facility in the internal ATM at the Auchtermuchty ‘clockwork bank’ had failed once again. Perhaps the clock spring should be replaced. Maybe the system should be upgraded to 21st century technology, and be fitted with a hamster and wheel.

Come on HBOS. It’s not exactly rocket science. It is an ATM. There must be millions of them in use around the world. And this one is even installed in a nice cosy environment.

Just like the staff used to be.

Rural schools

Sir,—The report in The Courier that Angus Council looks set to close Dun Primary School so soon after the closure of Careston makes a total mockery of the claim by the SNP that they do not close rural schools. If they get away with the closure of Dun which school will be next?

Earlier this summer North Tayside MSP John Swinney said that no rural school should be closed and although Dun School is not in his constituency, he will no doubt wish to be consistent and oppose this policy of rural school closures so persistently followed by his SNP colleagues on Angus Council.

Charles to lead way?

Sir,—The welcome passing of the Hunting Bill by the House of Commons marks a change to hunting not the end of it. With wild animals to be replaced as quarry by the humane alternative (draghunting) the pastime is elevated from barbaric bloodsport to real sport.

Some hunters talk foolishly of “civil war”. With roads blocked, power cut and water supplies threatened it seems that lives are to be risked in furtherance of their demand for hounds to torment wildlife.

For over 30 years I have observed and infiltrated bloodsports and in my view with the scent laid and route chosen to mimic an animal hunt few followers would realise the difference.

With only the kill missing all but the most bloodthirsty hunters would be happy.

Who better than Prince Charles to show leadership and defuse this situation by setting up a pack of Royal Draghounds? The future king should consider this step to unify our country at a time when division is threatened.