On the agenda today: Pete Tobin, biomass plans, praise for the McManus Galleries, the TV leaders’ debates and young voters.
Will MacAskill show compassion to Tobin? Sir,-Your report (April 16) about killer Peter Tobin’s health raises the question that if this individual (branded inhuman, evil and unfit to live in a decent society by three trial judges) proves to be terminally ill, will the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, authorise his release on humanitarian grounds as he did with Megrahi?
The public is entitled to know.
R. H. L. Mulheron.28 Cowgate,Tayport.
Talk through biomass plans
Sir,-Having read last week’s informative and detailed article by J. J. Marshall (April 14) about the latest controversial plans for “environmentally friendly biomass plant structures”, it was no surprise that a reader (April 17) made an attempt to dispute J. J. Marshall’s argument.
I agree that unemployment is a concern, not only around Dundee but in all areas of the country, however, a biomass plant should be properly discussed as opposed to being imposed upon local citizens.
Harry Lawrie.35 Abbots Mill,Kirkcaldy.
Take action on smoking
Sir,-I spent a marvellous afternoon on Friday at Dundee’s refurbished McManus Galleries.
Many others had the same idea the place was crowded, which added to the enjoyment of sharing a collective experience.
Dundee City Council are to be congratulated on maximising their collection and providing audio-visual aids to help interpret the significance of its artefacts.
This is an example of a local authority not just with foresight but with a commitment to preserve the city’s cultural and industrial past.
The only downside was the uncomfortable experience of cigarette smoking drifting into the foyer and cafe area.
The doors to the galleries are wide and there is a low wall outside, a natural place for smokers to relax. I am sure smokers believe they are far enough away from the building not to cause discomfort but perhaps a sign requesting smokers to congregate off the precincts might be a workable solution.
Bob Ferguson.North Muirton,Perth.
TV debate irrelevant
Sir,-The irrelevance of Scotland in the run-up to the General Election is becoming obvious.
The television debates must be embarrassing for Scots who sit and watch the point scoring by the three Unionist leaders with their manifestos aimed at the English electorate.
I find it strange that the three English parties have stolen many of the ideas that the present Scottish Parliament have already put in place for those of us who live in Scotland.
Let’s see how irrelevant we become again after this English election when Scotland’s “green revolution” takes off and the spoils disappear back into the Westminster coffers like North Sea oil did.
Bob Harper.63a Pittenweem Road,Anstruther.
Reflect voter disaffection
Sir,-Watching the first election debate made me both shiver and grimace in equal measure and reminded me of the saying, “whoever controls the media controls the world”.
Politicians from earlier times were willing and able to cope with applause, heckling and awkward questions.
Therefore, the most worrying feature of the programme was the subservient response to the ruling that there be no clapping nor interjection with the masses, on this occasion the audience.
It should be everyone’s duty to vote, but, as a person who has always voted in the past, I am increasingly tempted by the idea of not voting for anyone, for the very simple reason that by voting, I might be seen to be encouraging them.
Therefore, if I were to be granted a wish at the moment, it would be to be given the opportunity on the ballot form, to tick a box which stated ‘none of the above’. That option sadly will no doubt have to remain but a dream, as its introduction would reveal the total disaffection of the electorate for what is now on offer.
Neil McKinnon.Tulchan Garden,Glenalmond,Perth.
Keep young out of politics
Sir,-Bob Taylor expressed his wish to involve more young people in politics. That is in line with the thinking from many commentators and most parties.
I never was one for fleeting fads and gimmicks, so I would suggest this is, and always has been, a daft idea.
If we look at the mess Britain is in, there is one factor underlying every mistake made by successive governments too many important decisions were made by politicians who were too young to have gained experience on which they could base crucial judgments. That is because we allow people to present themselves as candidates before they have gained even the most basic experience in things such as doing a real job, or bringing up a family in the real world.
Therefore, let us put an end to young people making life-or-death decisions which affect us all.
Let us introduce a minimum age, say 40, for candidates in all elections.
That should give them time to understand how the real world works.
And, while we’re at it, those advocates of lowering the voting age should be resisted.
Our education system has now failed to such an extent that a quarter of that age are leaving school without basic skills in reading, writing and adding up.
What hopes for them being able to decide on who can run the country? We need to raise the voting age.
Jim Parker.9 Banchory Green, Collydean,Glenrothes.