Electoral failures

The decision by the Liberal Democrats to agree to "negotiate" with the Labour Party over a possible coalition (your report, 11 May) appears to have caused considerable glee among minority parties.

How can those who seem delighted at this development possibly be content that the entire future of the country is likely to be influenced by the wheelings and dealings of two characters such as Alastair Campbell and Peter Mandelson?

If this is the level to which British politics has now sunk, we should start launching the lifeboats now.

It is an utter disgrace that individuals such as these are allowed to yield so much power.

DONALD FORD

Tayside Street

Carnoustie

This election has underlined that Scotland and England have very different voting patterns. It also showed how outdated and unfair is the Westminster voting system and the Liberal Democrats are now in a position to achieve some of their historic aims as well as the desires of their members.

The Lib Dems and Tories can meet the economic desires of the people of England with some more humane, practical concessions.

Insisting on effective electoral reform, after a referendum, to meet the desire of the majority of the population is sensible.

So is encouraging the Lib-Dem MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to propose a referendum on the Calman proposals or maximum devolution with all the income generated in Scotland and its waters paid into a Scottish exchequer.

The Scottish Parliament would retain as much of Scotland's income as was necessary to meet Scotland's needs.

This includes the urgent need for major regeneration. It would only send to Westminster, for the services it retained, what could be spared – the reverse of the present situation.

In particular, it could refuse to make any contributions to developing Trident or to pay the costs of unnecessary, illegal wars.

Will a federal Britain, in all but name, and a fairer voting system be achieved? Have Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems now a great opportunity of achieving most of their long term aims?

Have the Liberal members the desire to ensure that Nick Clegg leads them, and all of Britain, to a more stable, more humane and fairer future?

CLLR GORDON MURRAY

Civic Centre

Windmillhill Street

Motherwell