Unionist label strikes a note of discord with Scottish voters

As a retired Scottish Conservative MSP, I have the highest regard for David McLetchie, but he possibly does not realise the passions that are aroused in some parts of the west of Scotland, and in particular Glasgow, where sections of the population associate the term unionist with Ulster unionism (your report, 9 May). As a candidate in my first general election (Rutherglen 1966) I found the term aroused considerable passion.

Personally, I would not only dump the "Unionist", but also the "Conservative", and would suggest the party be renamed the "Progressive Party". When the councils in Glasgow and Edinburgh removed the Labour overlords it was as progressives.

The term "Scottish Progressive Party" would be the most appropriate north of the Border.

JOHN H YOUNG

Deanwood Avenue

Netherlee, Renfrewshire

In his analysis of the Scottish Conservatives’ future direction, Hamish MacDonnell says its "Unionist title" was adopted only in the 1960s. In fact, from early in the 20th century until the mid-1960s, Scottish Tories campaigned at general elections under the title of the "Scottish Unionist Party", or the "Unionist Party", as a means of consolidating their traditional Orange working-class support, especially in the west of Scotland.

It was only as it became evident that this source of electoral support was no longer as reliable as it had traditionally been that it decided in 1964 to change its name to the "Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party".

It would now appear that elements in the party are at long last beginning to recognise that the word "Unionist" in the title acts as a disincentive to voting Tory north of the Border.

IAN O BAYNE

Clarence Drive

Glasgow

Duncan Hamilton argues for consensual rather than confrontational politics. The most committed proponent of that in recent years was John Swinney, and Scottish politics and the Scottish media remained unconvinced.

Also, in terms of seats at Holyrood, the Liberal Democrat Party is not Scotland’s second party, but its fourth.

Its defining characteristic in Argyll seems to be the ability to vote for a policy direction in parliament, then march through Dunoon, Campbeltown or Oban to protest against it.

As an SNP member, I well remember the excellent job Duncan Hamilton did as our candidate in exposing the contradiction, fantasy and sheer hypocrisy inherent in all things to all men "Libdemery". It seems a shame if he has gone off the idea now.

ALAN CLAYTON

Letters Way, Strathlachlan

Strachur, Argyll

Duncan Hamilton’s strategy for an SNP and Liberal Democrat Holyrood coalition sounds fine on paper, but it should be remembered that the SNP "went soft" on the SSP and Greens during the first term of the Scottish parliament, hoping this would lead to an independence coalition. It led, instead, to those parties taking several seats from the SNP.

The SNP should, therefore, be wary of Liberal Democrat wooing.

GAVIN FLEMING

Grassmarket

Edinburgh