Holyrood elections must not be diluted

The Scottish Government elections are important because they are giving politicians authority to legislate on vital issues such as health, education and housing.

The potential confusion for voters of holding both elections on the same day takes one back to May 2007 when local elections were held on the same day as the Scottish Government election – and we all remember the mayhem and confusion that resulted.

In the interest of democracy there is also concern regarding proposed legislation for a five-year fixed term at Westminster. Indications suggest that a two-thirds majority may be needed to vote a government down, resulting in the sitting government voting against itself, while the whips sit idly watching.

I don't think so!

CATRIONA C CLARK

Hawthorn Drive

Banknock, Falkirk

A great deal of nonsense has been written in the press and spoken on the radio and TV about the proposed rules for the dissolution of Parliament at Westminster.

A fixed-term parliament is long overdue. The Prime Minister of the day should not be able to call a general election whenever he or she thinks it will best suit the government party.

That is an undesirable hang-over of the Royal Prerogative vested in the Prime Minister as part of the "Crown in Parliament" concept of sovereignty.

If we have a fixed-term parliament, there must be provision for an early dissolution. But that is quite separate from the fall of a government. If a government falls on a motion of no confidence, the first duty of the parliament is to try to form a new government from within that parliament. There is no need to rush to a general election.

If it proves impossible to form a new government that can win a vote of confidence, then, but only then, should there be a vote for dissolution with a view to triggering a general election. And it is perfectly reasonable for there to be a safeguard beyond a simple majority to bring about the dissolution.

JAMES GILMOUR

East Parkside

Edinburgh