Sir, As a fairly regular watcher of First Minister’s Questions I am growing more and more concerned with the way this occasion is being handled.
First Minister’s Questions is an opportunity for MSPs to hold our First Minister Alex Salmond to account and is a valuable part of the democratic process.However, there is more and more evidence of Mr Salmond completely ignoring questions put to him.Instead of answering the question in a straightforward, honourable way he embarks on a tirade against the questioner.This behaviour always seems to go unchecked by the Presiding Officer. He is never told to behave honourably and answer the question.Last Thursday’s question time was a case in point when clear questions from the three main opposition party leaders went unanswered.These were important questions that I would also have liked to have heard answers to.The Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick seems to be oblivious to what is going on and allows him to behave in a manner not befitting our parliament, in my opinion.It is her duty to maintain the dignity of parliament and ensure that members of it do not abuse their positions or the chamber.I suggest that Tricia Marwick and Alex Salmond both take a good look at themselves and ask if they are carrying out their duties in a way which makes us proud of our parliament and the way business is conducted therein.Cllr Willie Robertson.85 South Street,Milnathort.Possible radical solution?Sir, Like others, I suspect the consultation over the future of Cupar Sheriff Court is nothing more than a sham exercise. The decision to close these courts has probably already been taken.If we apply the principles of market forces, there may be a possible 11th-hoursolution.We should support our local thugs, house-breakers, drunk drivers and other criminals to increase the workload for the courts ensuring they stay open and ensuring full employment for the Procurator Fiscal’s department and local solicitors.Colin Topping.26 Crathes Close,Glenrothes.Decision is already takenSir, It’s interesting how many spokespersons stand up and plead for the retention of Cupar Sheriff Court following the announcement that it will be closed.We all know that such decisions are already “stamped and sealed” long before the announcement is made, which makes a mockery of such protests.Sadly, that’s how politics seems to operate, with no consideration for the people who will be affected.John McDonald.14 Rosebery Court,Kirkcaldy.Still a need to donate?Sir, I was recently watching the TV programme Inside Claridge’s and noted that the President of Malawi, with an entourage of at least 15, signed in for a 14-night stay at the princely sum of £5,000 per room, per night.Given that Malawi is one of those “poor” African countries to which Scotland has donated much over recent years not just in terms of finance, but manpower, technical know-how and expertise in building schools, hospitals and infrastructure is it not time to rethink our policy of giving?My wife and I recently spent a weekend in London and our room at a hotel near Hyde Park cost £120 per night which is less than the cost of dinner for one person at Claridge’s.Perhaps some other readers could explain to me the logic of our foreign aid to countries such as Malawi?Perhaps someone might care to treat me to a fortnight in Claridge’s?Iain Duncan.20 Clayhills Drive,Dundee.Moon trip is pointlessSir, One wonders why a team of former Nasa executives are offering trips to the moon (Lunar tour on offer for mere $1.5bn, December 8), seeing that Nasa’s last trip to the moon did not find anything there important to man.It is impossible for humans to live on the moon and there is nothing to see there. It is lifeless.Any people prepared to pay $1.5bn for a two-day trip to the moon should have their heads examined.Ron Smith.14 Reid Street,Dundee.Birthday date teaserSir, Re your recent piece about memorable dates, I have always liked to tease and confuse people by saying my date of birth very quickly, then watching as they try to work it out! My father (Reg Mulheron), always takes great delight in telling everybody that my birthday is the only one out of his three daughters that he remembers immediately when asked. What is it? . . . (Remember to read quickly) . . . 23456.Anne Lowe.13 Nelson Street,Tayport.