Suicide vote

AS well as a call for a free vote on her proposals to legalise assisted suicide (your report, 25 September), Margo MacDonald should insist all MSPs taking part in her debate declare religious leanings.

In the list of MSPs for Mid-Scotland and Fife six declare a religious faith under "special interests", mainly Church of Scotland.

The religious vote is a serious threat to those working for reform in this area for they are not only entrenched in the political system, they are well organised throughout the medical profession and have sound financial backing.

The layman naively assumes career politicians care about real issues, but the only time they prick up their ears is when some issue threatens their vote. Dying with dignity isn't one of them.

With the Scottish Lord Advocate having closed off the courts and our First Minister "not convinced" where is there to turn?

GEORGE B ANDERSON

Elliothill Street

Dunfermline, Fife