Letters: Time chiefs stopped trying to pass the buck on trams

After blaming the trams mess on the contractor, the unexpected pipes under the streets, the surprisingly unexpected bad ground and whatever other scary things the council thought we might all swallow as excuses it is now turning the heat on its lawyers to get some of its money back.

It's quite breathtaking.

I am a civil engineer and over my 40-plus-year career found that sound engineering, talented people and good management of technical things kept the lawyers, accountants, project managers and other amateur builders right out of it.

You might as well just blame all costly fires on the fire brigades. It's the same thing.

That's how daft it all is.

However, something was terribly wrong with the technical side of the council so let's experience some honesty from its members.

John Addison, Pentlandfield, Roslin

Powers exist to force an inquiry

The previous SNP government's claim that it could not hold a public inquiry into the trams fiasco was due to the fact that it could not push this through parliament due to the other parties not wanting an inquiry at this time.

That is no longer the case. This government can do what it likes due to its overall majority. The question is, does the SNP have the will to have this inquiry now? Not in the future, now.

Whilst not a lawyer, I would imagine those in public office have a legal duty of care with regard public finances and as such should be held to account if they have breached that duty of care.

As reported in the News on Saturday, Councillor Gordon Mackenzie has now asked the council's own legal department to study the contract. I would have thought that would have been done before anything was signed.

There are many councillors, TIE officials and ex-chief executives who have a lot to answer and some, without doubt, should end up in a court of law.

David Black, Kenmure Avenue, Edinburgh

A poor choice of policy to attack

There's no doubt that new Lothians list MSP Kezia Dugdale is a rare glimmer of hope for Labour's mediocre team at Holyrood, however, it is unfortunate that she chose to make her maiden speech attacking other parties on the issue of poverty.

During 12 years of Labour Westminster governments, the gap between rich and poor grew larger and child poverty increased.

Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were never happier than when entertaining the super-rich and did nothing to reduce the power of the banking and finance elites.

In Scotland her party is happy for us to remain poor Brits rather than the wealthier more aspirational Scots that independence would make us.Therefore, until Ms Dugdale starts to question her own party's record on poverty, I'll take her political grandstanding on the issue with a heavy pinch of salt.

Gavin Fleming, Webster's Land, Grassmarket

Investment must be spent wisely

I read with interest your report that the city council is to invest 210,000 in promoting local high streets in Edinburgh (Retail champions are rolled out to revive 'town centres', News, May 27).

As someone who has been involved in the volunteer-led Shop Local Shandon campaign here in my part of the city, I can see how an investment of this level could have real knock-on benefits for local traders and neighbourhoods.

But only if the money is spent wisely. Apparently, one of the first priorities has been replacing concrete lampposts with traditional lanterns. I had to read that bit twice as I could not fathom what on earth that had to do with improving local services. Surely there are any number of ways that can really enhance the quality of high streets without descending to Brigadoon caricatures?

Gavin Corbett, Briarbank Terrace, Edinburgh