Test of nationalism

Published on Wednesday 15 July 2009 21:05

Who is Sandra White and what does she represent (your report, 13 July)? Soundbites generate headlines and a few column inches for politicians, satisfying the appetite of the general population for news. Her comments on the Ashes Test series were, however, churlish, ill-informed and not representative of a large number of Scots.

Tabling a motion to debate this perceived issue is also an embarrassment to the Scottish Parliament, particularly as she sits on the European and External Relations Committee. One of its remits is "the development and implementation of the Scottish administration's links with countries and territories outside Scotland, the European communities (and their institutions) and other international organisations".

This is another example of the current administration's predilection for vigorously challenging matters that do not conform to Nationalist ideology and rhetoric. Such behaviour is pernicious and deflects debate from real policy issues affecting Scotland.

CAMPBELL EVANS

Comiston Drive

Edinburgh

As a proud Scot and cricket-lover, I find the views of Sandra White MSP as ill– informed as they are bizarre.

According to Cricket Scotland, there are about 30,000 people involved in the game in Scotland each year, of which 10,000 play it regularly, figures that compare favourably with the SNP's membership of 14,000.

She also might want to check with her cricket-loving boss before sounding off on the matter.

TARIQ TAHIR

Wilmot Street

London E2