Letters: Integrity please

Published on 30/04/2012 00:00

A novelist or playwright could not have made a better encapsulation of Scotland’s (and the UK’s) unfolding political tragedy than The Scotsman did (27 April).

A four-page spread on the spread of corruption as our political leaders bypass policy to secure profile and destroy opponents; David Torrance’s excellent obituary of a distinguished Scottish Nationalist, Stephen Maxwell, who was forced to pursue his intelligent political vision outwith mainstream party politics; and an eloquent commentary by Joyce McMillan linking the two.

I hope it may be possible to look back at this paper in perhaps five years’ time and see that Stephen Maxwell’s legacy has prevailed. He inspired and enabled many, many people to take action within their communities, linking their aspirations and efforts to a coherent and convincing national policy framework.

He also, so I’m told by those who know, played a key role in giving the voluntary sector credibility with government, and recognition of its essential role in economic and social welfare.

But for the sector’s improvement of national life to continue and flourish while party politics alienates increasing numbers, it will need others of Stephen Maxwell’s integrity and intellect to unite them on the route he set out.

Jane Griffiths

Middleby Street

Edinburgh

I was amused by the accusation against The Scotsman of bias against the SNP from Les Wilson (Letters, 28 April). I have often thought that The Scotsman was pro-SNP so you must be getting the balance about right.

I do fear, however, that in (Heaven forbid) an independent Scotland there would be SNP rants against any media criticism.

One just has to note Mr Wilson’s letter, Alex Salmond’s “they will rue the day” threat against the Economist and Nicola Sturgeon’s outburst in a BBC interview when she accused the corporation of siding with Labour’s agenda to see that a free press could be under threat in a Nationalist Scotland.

Donald Lewis

Gifford

East Lothian

Those of your readers who regularly watch the BBC panel show QI will know that we have a ready-made answer to all these so-called “experts” on Scottish independence.

Whenever another one of these “experts” issues yet another doom-laden forecast about Scotland’s future if it was independent, they should be shown the “QI Card” which says “NOBODY KNOWS”.

David Justice

Kirk Park Road

Elie, Fife