Letter: Personal test

It would be most unfortunate if the Holyrood election was decided on a leader's personality rather than substance or policy (your reports, 31 March).

Having said that, I am at a total loss to understand what is "personable" about the First Minister. That is unless a nastiness verging on sadism when dealing with opponents and a distinct lack of statesmanship as well as a tendency to egomania could be termed "personable".

Alastair Campbell said of Alex Salmond: "He fell in love with himself a long time ago and has remained faithful ever since." Rarely have truer words been spoken.

Those who vote for the SNP solely on the strength of Alex Salmond's personality deserve all they will surely get.

Alexander McKay

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh

How lucky (or not) for the four fifths of the electorate who are able to receive these TV debates. We, the other fifth of Scotland's population, Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders, cannot as we are served by Border TV/Tyne Tees - a severe disadvantage to "Borderers".

To all aspiring politicians, there is a vote here (maybe more) for the one who can rectify this immense anomaly.

Bill Braithwaite

Langholm

Dumfries and Galloway