Leader's resignation as a public concern

When we find that an airline pilot or train driver has a "chemical dependency" there is immediate concern and it is usually reported in the media.

If a lawyer tries to complain over the publication of the state of his client's health it is concerning. The client was the leader of the largest city council in Scotland and making decisions affecting thousands of people (your report, 5 March).

Because of his public position, it is a matter of public concern that Steven Purcell had health problems. Like all stories where legal representatives try to manipulate the press, the end result is usually worse for the client. In this case it is now keeping the story going.

What this does bring out is the question of whether our publicly elected representatives should be regularly monitored for health problems. Testing for any form of substance abuse, including alcohol, and psychological profiling of senior elected representatives for stress would be desirable.

We do not let people drive under the influence of alcohol yet regularly late-night votes at Westminster are taken by people who seem to have difficulty making it out of the taxi.

No-one forces people into elected public service and as they are our servants with their lifestyles paid for by our taxes, making decisions which affect us, when their health or behaviour affects their post it is a matter of public record and not privacy.

BRUCE D SKIVINGTON

Gairloch

Wester Ross

I am writing to express my deep disgust at your reporting of the resignation of Steven Purcell (your report, 5 March). Smear and innuendo ill befits Scotland's national newspaper. No wonder we get the leaders we deserve when entering politics today means exposure to this sort of journalism should anything go wrong in one's private life.

I don't know Mr Purcell, and I don't live in his city, so I have no view on his politics. Perhaps he has made enemies; perhaps there are deep political disagreements between him and others. But that does not give anyone the right to mount vicious personal attacks and pretend it is part of the rough and tumble of politics. It isn't, and it shouldn't be.

DUNCAN HOTHERSALL

Dalkeith Road

Edinburgh