Letter: A French lesson

Perhaps John Park MSP should ponder the turnout in the recent French presidential elections before presenting his motion to the Scottish Parliament advocating phone/text and weekend voting (your report, 18 May).

I understand that no fewer than 80 per cent voted in round one and even more in round two. What is more, I believe there is no postal voting and that polls closed at 8pm in all but the three largest cities.

Young people were turning out in force.

France does not seem to be suffering from the current British malaise of voter apathy and indeed antipathy towards political parties.

Could a solution rest in our schools – early lessons in civics; our parties – remembering Shirley Williams’ adage that “politics is for people”; and in our media – giving politics respect again?

Technology and change of day or time to vote are indeed important, but surely interest in and attitudes to politics are what really matter.

Moyra Forrest

Starbank Road

Edinburgh