Letter: Power broking

Put to one side the absurdity of Liberal Democrats shaping their entire political direction around denying the Scottish people the option to vote on their constitutional future (Comment, 30 August).

It still seems desperately lacking in ambition that all the leaks and discussion about Ross Finnie's no doubt brilliant policy paper and Tavish Scott's bargaining position are focused on perceived electoral advantage.

Gone is the traditional liberal argument about coalitions being about advancing policy and principles. No strategy to implement the Steel Commission proposal on financial autonomy. No strategy on achieving a local income tax. But then, swept away on Cameronian euphoria it is no great surprise they have forgotten what they are supposed to be in favour of. I am not sure the electorate will be so forgiving.

It might be a bit soon for them to be thinking about power broking.

Andrew Anderson

Morningside Road

Edinburgh