Sir, The recent Labour Party conference was dominated by attempts to re-brand Jim Murphy.
Now we are told he is in favour of all things Scottish including more powers for the Scottish Parliament.
But let us not forget that up to now he has been a Westminster career politician, a disciple of Tony Blair, a strong supporter and voter for the Iraq War, renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons systems, and supporter of the London Labour-controlled system.
That caused Johann Lamont to quit so dramatically the leadership of the Scottish Labour Party, citing Labour in Scotland as being treated like a sub-office.
Many Labour voters in two of Scotland’s largest cities, Glasgow and Dundee, voted Yes in the referendum, the outcome being that both cities voted in favour of independence for Scotland.
Many throughout Scotland were angered to see the Labour Party campaign hand in hand with the rejected Tories, something that will never be forgotten in their lifetime.
Current opinion polls show no signs of voters changing back to Labour, despite a series of Murphy gimmicks.
John S. Jappy. Moy Bridge Cottage, Bridge Of Ord.
Clarity on renegotiation
Sir, Thank you for the excellent coverage of the Angus Tayside Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ hustings in The Courier.
I thought it was an excellent addition to the hustings calendar as it focused on a key community within Angus.
However, in the article I was quoted as saying, “Nick Clegg has always argued against an (EU) referendum.” This is not quite what I said on the evening, nor is it Nick Clegg’s position.
If there is a renegotiation of our position within the EU, I would whole heartedly support reform. I believe this needs to be done from the heart of the EU, rather than an arms-length attempt to win additional opt-outs as the Conservatives are proposing.
In fact the Liberal Democrats have written into law that there will be a in/out referendum on EU membership if there are any treaty changes as a result of any future negotiations.
This has long been Liberal Democrat policy under Nick Clegg, which is why we enshrined it into law during our time in coalition.
Sanjay Samani. Liberal candidate, Angus.
Nickileaks stirs the debate
Sir, It has been a mantra endlessly repeated by such SNP leaders as Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon that Scotland has been ground down by Tory governments.
Now Ms Sturgeon denies saying she wants a Tory win to make it easier to smash the UK or that the “fratricidal union-placeman” Ed Miliband was not prime ministerial material.
Sadly what gave “Nickileaks” traction was the election debate which was the first time many had heard the First Minister since the referendum’s “stair-heed rammy”.
The problem is that not only are both assessments almost certainly correct, the turn of phrase used in the “leak” sounded like those she employed so effectively in the debate.
Rev Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
Tony Blair still causing a row
Sir, It astonishes me that the Labour Party would wish Tony Blair to have anything to do with their election campaign. I would have seen his involvement as toxic rather than helpful.
And as for his comments on Ed Miliband standing firm and ignoring the demands of the people for an EU referendum, how is that helpful to the campaign to highlight a future prime minister’s refusal to listen to the electorate?
Are the Labour Party really that desperate or naive enough to enlist the help of someone in Britain who is about as popular as the poll tax in Scotland?
He has had his chance of being Prime Minister and made a mess of it. I seriously think that Ed Miliband has just scored an own goal.
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.
Leaks are the big concern
Sir, Politicians have agenda. They have overriding principal aims and secondary ones if their primary aim does not materialise.
The SNP primarily seek independence so whatever outcome serves this best is their preference probably a Tory government with the prospect of having an old Etonian buffoon like Boris Johnson at the end of it.
To be in a coalition with Labour would shake up UK politics and render it a more acceptable scenario to more left-wing Scots thus paradoxically not servicing the principal objective of the SNP.
The SNP would have great respect, but not independence.
Nicola should not be condemned for what she is alleged to have said. It is cogent.
The leaking of it or the invention of it are a different, and worrying matter.
Robert Ferguson. New Gilston, Fife.
United Dundee FC
Sir, I am appalled (I love that word and so obviously does Nigel Hawkins in Tuesday’s Courier) by the negative attitudes that sometimes pervades this city of ours.
Not one word of praise fell from Mr Hawkins’ pen to the Dundee United board for it keeping the club alive and profitable during the difficult financial times of the recent past.
Would he have preferred that the club had gone broke and did a ‘Rangers’?
Many, many years ago I joined the ranks of the legion of football fans who each can manage his/her team better than the current chairman, board, coach whoever.
Welcome to our ranks Nigel or were you already among us many faceless wonders?
Dundee should be proud that it has two teams in the Scottish Premier League that adds a little to the local economy each footballing Saturday during the season.
I for my part will continue to manage both Dundee teams and spread much happiness even during the times when they actually very nearlywin.
John J. Watson. 39 Elie Avenue, Broughty Ferry.
Dafodil destroyers
Sir, I quite agree that the daffodils are there for everyone to enjoy so please don’t pick them as you featured in a recent article.
Or indeed drive your vehicle off the road and park on them as some football enthusiasts did at the weekend at Drumgeith Park.
Many acres of the city are laid out in green sward for you to enjoy your sport so please spare a thought for others who enjoy our spring displays.
I notice some of the more considerate folk avoided them and parked alongside but sufficient numbers clearly could not have cared less and spoilt this show for all.
Andrew Smith 16 Bingham Terrace Dundee.
Well done the NHS
Sir, Having recently returned from a stay in hospital following an operation, I am prompted to put pen to paper about my experience.
In my case it was Ward 10 at the ‘Vic.’ in Kirkcaldy.
I seem to spend most of my time these days reading negative comments about the NHS, but I have nothing but praise following my experience.
It is normal that the average layman enters hospital with a deal of trepidation and apprehension, it was therefore so reassuring to be met by a team of specialists that quickly filled me with confidence.
Throughout my stay, the whole surgical and medical staff, without exception, were able to instill that confidence in me and their dedication to duty, always with a smile.
Well done the NHS, and particularly those at the Vic.
Robin Hastie. 2 Alex Paterson Lane, St Andrews.
Collider power the answer?
Sir, A fascinating article on the Large Hadron Collider Is there a Small Hadron Collider?
The operating voltages described were a mystery to me, but I assume they are very large.
Never mind heating and lighting the place. How many wind turbines are needed to power this complex?
Enough to cover Switzerland? Or do they just take advantage of the French nuclear power resources? Good old EDF!
Couldn’t we install a collider or something under Longannet, call it a research horizontal wind turbine, and claim a ‘no production’ rebate – or such like?
A Geddie, 68, Carleton Ave, Glenrothes
New menaceon the roads
Sir, I was wondering if any other readers have had sightings of a strange new species on the outskirts of our towns? You’ll catch it in your rear-view mirror as you’re cruising at 60mph along a dual carriageway.
It’s female, 20 something pushing 30, and driving a modest car.
She’s 10 metres off your tail, has one, and one only, large eye in the middle of her head, with her hands and mind on anything other than the road.
Suddenly she overtakes you and leaves you standing. She cares not a jot for young male drivers, for boy racers are history, and any driver. Come on ladies, cut the speed. You might save on fuel and brake replacements, perhaps a life, perhaps your own.
Ian Nimmo White. 16 Allan Street, Leslie.