Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, Much has been written about the potential confusion caused by a multi-option referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future, most recently from Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie (October 31). Multi-option referendums on constitutional change, however, are not unusual and have been undertaken in a number of places.
For example, Newfoundland, then a British colony, held a three-option referendum in 1948 to decide whether it should enter the Canadian Confederation, remain under British rule or regain independence. The eventual decision by Newfoundlanders was to enter the Canadian Confederation.
Ironically, while originally it was deemed there should only be two options on the ballot paper, the British government intervened and overruled the convention (the body established to decide on Newfoundland’s constitutional future), and decided that confederation with Canada should also be on the ballot paper.
Indeed, in other parts of the world for example, in Switzerland multi-option referendums are a common occurrence. The establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1997 was itself based on a referendum containing three options.
Most political questions are multi-optional, as is the case in Scotland, and when there are a number of constitutional arrangements to choose from, those such as Mr Rennie should not be so blinkered as to close these down.
Alex Orr.77 Leamington Terrace,Edinburgh.
Big turnout is a requirement
Sir Reference David Steel’s comments (October 31) and those of other learned commentators, it concerns me that none seems to have asserted the need to have a big turnout of voters. Irrespective of the wording of the choices, and the number of choices, a completely new system of government must not be foisted upon us, as with the present Scottish Government (less than 50% percent of eligible voters), and other low turnout administrations.
I would suggest a minimum 85% turnout of unspoiled voting papers, or even better given the dire purpose of the ‘Independence/Dev Max’ referendum a compulsory turnout (with still a minimum 85% requirement). There will always be those who choose not to exercise their right to vote.
A. T. Geddie.68 Carleton Avenue,Glenrothes.
Where did £40 million go?
Sir, In his letter of October 22, Ivor Kelly, chairman of Dundee Energy Recycling Ltd, disputed my claim that the Baldovie waste incinerator has run up debts of £42 million. He said the debt is just £3.3 million, and suggested I check my figures. A quick check online revealed that current liabilities are now just £2.2 million.
This made me wonder if The Courier had got it wrong when it reported on June 5 2010 that Audit Scotland had warned the council about the burden it faced from the company’s £42 million debt (the council holds 40% of the company’s share capital).
I contacted Audit Scotland to find out the truth of the matter. In reply, Audit Scotland sent me extracts from its audit plan for the council for 2009/10 and the company’s balance sheet for 2009. Both confirm the report in The Courier in every detail.
The big question is, how has £40 million in debt magically disappeared?
Michael Gallagher.33 Precinct Street,Coupar Angus.
They should be ashamed
Sir, No doubt Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau is proud of its equal opportunities policy statement. Its shameful treatment of Gordon Wilson proves, however, that it views some opinions as more equal than others.
All Mr Wilson has done to incur the wrath of CAB board members is to respond to a Scottish government consultation with his perspective on a proposed piece of legislation. That is the idea behind such exercises; to gather the views of as many people as possible before a decision is made. No-one should be persecuted in this way.
To treat a man who has served Dundee well for many years in this way is disgraceful. Those who have done so should be ashamed of themselves.
Angela Rennie.Muirfield Crescent,Dundee.
This is blatant discrimination
Sir, It is with concern and disbelief I read about Gordon Wilson being voted off the board of the Citizens Advice Bureau because members disagreed with his Christian views on same-sex marriage and the proposal to ‘redefine’ marriage.
This is surely nothing to do with the functions of the CAB but a case of blatant discrimination against an individual because of his religious beliefs and, also, a case of political correctness running riot over common sense.
Just how many people does the CAB have at their disposal of the calibre of Mr Wilson that they can dispense with his services and in such an ungracious and hostile manner? As an outstanding MP for Dundee East for 13 years and a much respected local solicitor, I doubt they will have many.
And how does this decision square with their own ‘equal opportunities’ policy? Does this not apply to Christians?
By all accounts, Gordon Wilson showed great courage to stand his ground at this hostile meeting, as did Ian Luke, who subsequently resigned the CAB (and the Labour Party) because of this decision.
Two men of integrity.
Rose White.Brook Street,Broughty Ferry,Dundee.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.