Sir, What bandwagon is it this time? The closing of Kemback Street Centre. The latest opportunity for regional MSP Jenny Marra to get her name in print.
No one likes to see these crucial centres closed down, most will oppose the decision by Dundee City Council.
In this case Dundee’s SNP have a lot to answer for, with disabled members of our community being denied access to a vital service.
That being said, Ms Marra’s words reek of the worst political hypocrisy. While the junior MSP complains about closures in Dundee, her Labour colleagues in Glasgow are doing the exact same thing!
Glasgow City Council plans to shut four of seven Learning Disability Day Centres (Cardonald, Summerston, Hinshaw Street and The Accord Centre). Although I’m quick to attack Labour’s MSP, such poor quality does not reflect on Dundee Labour as a party.
In fact, their councillors are not to be faulted in their opposition on the night to the shutting of Kemback.
The difference lies with pursing something in the interest of others, or for yourself.
When we look at Jenny’s recent record in the tabloids from attacks on Angus Council to criticising community pharmacists it is little wonder we have such low turnouts at elections, especially with characters like her on the ballot.
Clare Munro. 48 Bell Street, Dundee.
Shameless posturing
Sir, I read with interest the two related articles in your newspaper regarding the future of Remploy factories in Scotland. (January 15).
Both former Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP and Jenny Marra MSP waxed lyrical about what could be done to save the threatened factories but failed to mention it was their party, Labour, which started this process back in 2008 when, yes you’ve guessed it, Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown presided over the closure of almost a quarter of the Remploy factories extant at that time.
I cannot recall the, at that time, aspiring MSP Jenny Marra rushing to print to savage the government of the day then! Now, of course, it is everybody’s fault but Labour.
It is only right and proper that Dundee’s Lord Provost is taking a lead in finding a solution to assist the most vulnerable in our community but the shameless posturing of Labour politicians is a stark reminder of why Scotland’s electorate has lost all trust in them.
Brian Ross. 9E Saggar Street, Dundee.
Do they have nothing to do?
Sir, I find it absolutely astonishing that London wants to host “gay games” in 2018 and even more bizarre, David Cameron and Boris Johnson have supported the bid. Have they nothing better to do with their time than be seen to be politically correct?
It also smacks of double standards on behalf of the gay community. Openly gay people are not prevented from competing in any sport. What has sexuality got to do with sport?
The gay community for years have gone on about being treated the same as everyone else yet they wish to segregate themselves and be different? Come on, Britain. Get a grip!
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.
Changed days indeed
Sir, I read your article, Millions lost on surgical mistakes, and agree with reader AC Grant (Letters, January 15), and the opinion about the compensation culture.
My experience regarding this was a long time ago, approximately 60 years, when I was three years old. I was admitted to hospital in Edinburgh for surgery on my groin. I was told by my parents that a scar on my groin was caused by me being burnt by mistake by some surgical error.
Our compensation was a little wind-up record player. How I loved it! Changed days indeed.
Margaret Gibb. 5 The Barns, Burntisland.
Have a majority
Sir, As G E Muir (Nothing to moan about, Letters January 11), also well knows, irrespective of the Prime Minister’s nationality, English MPs will have a majority in Westminster, resulting in Scotland having a government not of their choosing foisted on them yet again.
I also take issue with the label of whinger if one attempts to have a reasoned debate on independence. Does G E Muir take the colonist view that the natives should be grateful for what they’ve got?
Also, if the English are whingeing about Scottish PMs why don’t they have a referendum on separating from Scotland?
Peter Bell. Muirton Road, Arbroath.
First-class care
Sir, On January 1 my husband wasn’t at all well. I phoned NHS 24 at about 10.30am and a doctor came out before 11am. From the moment I phoned I received nothing but consideration, help and efficiency.
I thought it worth mentioning this as NHS 24 always seems to get bad publicity.
Isabel Rodger. 27 Barry Road, Kirkcaldy.