Ethnic concerns

GERRY Hassan was right to observe (Opinion, 12 February) that the relationship of the SNP and Labour to the Glasgow Asian community "is seldom talked about". This was true in a previous generation of the relationship of the Conservatives to working-class supporters of the Orange Institution and that of Labour to the Catholic population mainly of Irish descent.

In a book published last November, I warned that the SNP's readiness to use its power of patronage to advance particular forces within the Asian community was bad for the community and probably would end in tears for the party.

When will the Scottish media realise that, provided this is handled calmly, exposing how parties handle the politics of ethnicity is likely to ensure good practice on the part of politicians and not the remarkable gestures from top SNP figures which have rightly been dissected in the media in recent days?

If exploring the ethnic dimension of contemporary Scottish life returns to being a "no go area", will it be any surprise if it is shady and not mainstream and progressive members of ethnic minorities who are the ones that flourish due to the lack of attention?

(PROF) TOM GALLAGHER

Department of Peace Studies

University of Bradford