Letter: State of mind

I ASSUME that Iain Gray is an intelligent man to have scaled the giddy heights of leader of Scottish Labour. Consequently, his contribution to the debate on Scottish independence cannot be excused by lack of intelligence.

On 23 December Mr Gray clearly ridiculed Ireland, Iceland and Montenegro as if independence was the reason why they did not have their troubles to seek.

Mr Gray must be well aware that any troubles states face are not down to their independence but to the management of their economies, the stability of their democratic traditions and ability to engage positively with other countries and peoples.

The history of the 20th century shows that countries such as Germany, Russia, France, Spain, Japan and even the UK along with other smaller states have failed some or all of these tests.

Alex Salmond let Mr Gray off lightly at First Minister's Questions.

The Labour leader's treatment of the Irish, etc was racist bile and democracts should call for his immediate suspension from the Scottish Parliament.

GRAEME McCORMICK

Redhouse Cottgae

Arden, by Loch Lomond