Letter: Off roader

Why shouldn't a senior politician be in the control room when there's a potential weather crisis (your report, 7 January)? Labour's transport spokesperson Charlie Gordon really can't have it both ways.

It is not whether Keith Brown is present at the centre of operations, but how he behaves there that is crucial. The public are reassured to see that ministers are actively involved in monitoring the key decisions that will keep the transport network moving. The people who make those decisions are the senior officers involved. They in turn are entitled to know that the transport minister is on hand to verify that a particular course of action should go ahead.

In times of crisis we need leadership and that is best applied when a minister is on hand and at the centre of the action.

In public life there should be a clear dividing line between those who make policy and those who implement it. There is no other way in a democracy to conduct government. But where there is acute public concern it is right that officials should be able to turn to a minister on the spot for a decision.

Mr Brown has reacted to criticism that his predecessor Stewart Stevenson was not informed enough by his civil servants and not available enough at key times for action. He will have the political nous to know that he should not instruct officials on details.

He is nevertheless right to be on hand to see the technology, to gauge officials' reactions and if necessary to be effective in ensuring that the country's roads, rail and airports carry out the function they are there for.

Bob Taylor

Shiel Court

Glenrothes

You quote Labour transport spokesman Charlie Gordon criticising the new transport minister for his handling of the latest chaos on the M8 and other motorways.

I would propose that the SNP government appoints Mr Gordon immediately as special adviser on traffic and weather control so he can demonstrate the same level of foresight as he has of hindsight and share with us the secrets of how to impose on Mother Nature weather patterns that will not inconvenience his Central Belt fellows.

This would allow him to polish his CV for the forthcoming election on which he is so obviously focused.

Bob Peden

Causewayend Crescent

Aberchirder, Huntly