'Whingeing' former MSP had only himself to blame

Commenting on last year's election result in Cunninghame North (your report, 3 May), my predecessor, Allan Wilson, said he "was furious and thought the returning officer was a clown".

Having denigrated a public servant who conducted himself throughout a long and weary night in the most exemplary and professional manner, a self-absorbed Mr Wilson whinges about how "drained" he was, having been up since the previous morning. Weren't we all! Particularly as we had to endure a recount lasting more than four hours. Prior to the recount, the SNP majority was 48. After it, 48.

Rather than blame others for his political demise or create a myth that he was somehow cheated of victory, Mr Wilson should acknowledge his own culpability. For years, he took the voters of Cunninghame North for granted and thought that, as the previous SNP candidate was standing as an independent, he was home and dry. That he still lost on a night when Labour held eight of its nine constituencies in the West of Scotland, shows how out of touch he was with his constituents and their needs and concerns.

KENNETH J GIBSON

MSP for Cunninghame North

Scottish Parliament

Edinburgh