Letter: Lib Dems put national interest ahead of party

KENNY Farquharson is barking up the wrong tree (Insight, 5 February). By suggesting the Tories should terminate their “marriage of convenience” with the Liberal Democrats and go for an early general election simply to take political advantage of Labour’s problems is crass and downright dishonourable.

By suggesting the Tories would benefit electorally by terminating a genuine working relationship with the Lib Dems is equally tantamount to irresponsibility on the scale often only afforded to journalists and opposition politicians.

It’s clear to more objective observers that if any Party stood to benefit by coming out of this coalition government then surely it would be the Lib Dems. Instead they recognised their electoral fortunes would have to take second place to the more pressing need to take some very tough decisions on our behalf at a time of global economic meltdown.

Lib Dem leaders have stood firm under severe pressure from both press and some fainthearted supporters alike who see any partnership with their most traditional political enemies as some kind of betrayal of beliefs.

Nick Clegg and co have stood up to be counted and deserve much more credit than some observers appear capable of delivering.

I for one applaud the strength of character and resolve demonstrated by the Liberal Democrat leadership who are bravely putting the national interest before petty Party political advantage.

Galen Milne, Dunblane