Scots Tories can restore some balance

Labour Party politicians encouraged the birth of the Scottish Parliament, in order to stop the clamour for Scottish Nationalism, then abandoned the new parliament, with few notable exceptions, to carry on their careers in Westminster.

They were not alone as none of the parties who were foisted with the conception of Holyrood left behind able politicians, and Scotland was left with the dregs.

It is not surprising therefore that up against one of the shrewdest politicians of our age, along with his adept deputy, they were able to run rings around their opposition and persuade a large section of the Scottish public that they could offer a left-wing utopia. Peel away those two undoubtedly skilled politicians and what is left?

Those of us who have lived long enough are only too aware that utopia does not exist and that left-wing promises do not work in practice.

A majority of the Scottish people recognised this and voted No in the referendum. In spite of this, we are now witnessing the SNP posturing as victors.

They are playing a very dangerous game with the political future of Scotland and of the United Kingdom, creating divisions where they should not exist, having raided Labour’s heartland with false promises.

Perhaps some of the more able Labour politicians should concentrate more of their time at home.

Alex Salmond was trounced in his own back yard, in a part of Scotland which used to return Tories. Could it be that the irony will be the resurgence of the party in Scotland? Their leader Ruth Davidson emerged from the referendum debate with an enhanced political reputation and her integrity intact.

It is to be hoped for the sake of Scottish democracy and the future of the United Kingdom that they do become more of a force once again, and if the Scottish Labour Party can bring back some talent and pull themselves together, then some kind of political balance might yet be returned to the Scottish electorate.

Jane Ball

Hendersyde

Kelso

Scottish Labour, it seems safe to say, is in meltdown. Many people in the party appear delighted that supposed heavyweight Jim Murphy has entered the race. But they should be careful what they wish for.

Not only would parachuting in an unreconstructed pro-Iraq war, pro-university tuition fees, pro-Trident Blairite from Westminster to Holyrood send the party in completely the wrong direction, it would also signal their utter contempt for Scottish taxpayers.

If Scottish Labour is looking for a man of the people or a leader of principle, 
they can forget about Jim Murphy.

David Kelly

Highfields

Dunblane