Up for debate

Some reaction to the debate between Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Labour leader Johan Lamont (Letters, 27 February) reeks of squeamish self-righteousness.

It is as though political debate should comprise smiley-smiley shallow compliments and a suite of new euphemisms for effectively telling your adversary to stuff it.

Aren’t hustings renowned for fiery oratory? Weren’t town hall election debates renowned and enjoyed for their partisan exchanges?

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If differences in politics mean anything and aren’t merely an anodyne means for so-called public representatives to earn a much better than average income for playing verbal ping-pong, then such debates between adversaries should be expected to be what Ms Sturgeon and Ms Lamont demonstrated.

More of the same, says me.

Ian Johnstone

Peterhead

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