'Absurd' debates

It was fascinating to see the Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem representatives on the BBC's Question Time in Glasgow ganging up to defend the arrangement to exclude the SNP and Plaid Cymru from the forthcoming televised debates – now cunningly being labelled as "prime ministerial" as opposed to the former description, "leader".

Aside from the ludicrous notion of Nick Clegg being a "prime ministerial" candidate, the ultimate absurdity is this – three parties which endlessly prattle on about the beauties and importance of the Union have at long last come clean and said that, when the political chips are down, Scotland doesn't really matter and they're actually better off without us when it comes to really important matters like general elections.

I find this, in a way, encouraging rather than dispiriting. Let me assure this bunch of disgraced, distrusted politicians down south that the feeling of estrangement is mutual, and it will be reflected in May by the big vote for the party of Alex Salmond, a politician sharp enough to run rings round all of the air-brushed "prime ministerial" candidates in any TV exchange.

Maybe that's why they don't want him there.

ALASTAIR CLARK

Linn Mill

South Queensferry