Party politics

WHAT a fine line to be making such a fuss about – the hair- splitting that is apparently splitting the Conservatives in Scotland (your reports) What is the difference whether they admit to being run by Westminster or deny it?

I thought Annabel Goldie was boss up here. Has she been merely an estate factor all along, and yet her exuding such a matronly show of leadership? But until the Conservatives – also Labour and Liberal Democrats – expound policies that do not forbid independence for Scotland, but are policies specific to whatever ideologies they dovetail with them, I think they will all flap around like seals on a football park. Or do these three parties intend folding up if and when Scotland becomes independent?

IAN JOHNSTONE

Forman Drive

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire