Sir, Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill proposes to use the SNP majority in the Scottish Parliament to abolish the ancient law requiring corroboration in a prosecution case. Only one out of 35 or so Scottish High Court judges supports his proposal, but apparently he considers the other 34 to be deluded.
Citing the single judge who supports his plan as being correct on this point, Mr MacAskill intends to proceed with the part of the bill providing for the removal of this fundamental protection of the citizen under Scottish law, thus ignoring the views of this learned body of opposition.
Does this mean, then, that he will now call for the resignations of the other judges who have (according to Mr MacAskill) got this major question so spectacularly wrong that their combined view is simply to be ignored?
Surely any judges who cannot get this basic issue correct should not be permitted to sit in judgement on the major matters of freedom and principle that come before our highest courts on a daily basis?
Alternatively, perhaps there is a single resignation which might better serve the long-term interests of the public? Is Mr MacAskill’s stance just another indicator of what will be the reality of an independent “socially just” Scotland?
Mona Clark. 9 Millbay Terrace, Dundee.
Saltire wasn’t political, it was just enthusiasm
Sir, I am astounded by the comments from Clark Cross in Tuesday’s letters column regarding Alex Salmond’s enthusiasm when Andy Murray won the men’s final at Wimbledon.
Many more people inside Centre Court and outside on the hill were also waving saltires and jumping up and down.
Were these also childish actions?
Andy had won, after all.
This had absolutely nothing to do with any political votes. Alex Salmond’s flag didn’t say “Vote Yes” or “Vote SNP” did it?
Had I been fortunate enough to have been at Wimbledon I too would have waved a saltire and showed how happy I was that Andy had won. That does not mean I will be a “yes” voter.
Would Clark Cross have made the same comment had the Earl of Strathearn waved the saltire and jumped up and down with enthusiasm like Alex Salmond did?
June Smith. 33 Kildrummy Road, Aberdeen.
Narrow-minded nationalism
Sir, After Andy Murray’s historic win at Wimbledon on Sunday, Alex Salmond whipped that saltire out of his pocket and unfurled it like a conjuror showing off his best trick in front of a credulous audience.
I wonder if, had Andy Murray not won the match, it would have stayed firmly lodged in his pocket, since, by keeping it hidden until that triumphant moment, he seemed to be suggesting that a Scottish identity is only seen as an advantage when you’ve won.
Presumably he would have been happy for Murray to be described as Britishif he’d lost, so remember this flag-waving gesture next September and know that if Scotland votes “yes” for independence this is thekind of narrow-minded nationalism that we will have to live with.
Carolyn Taylor, 16 Gagiebank, Wellbank, Broughty Ferry.
Understanding size of that debt
Sir, Like, I am sure, many members of the public, I struggle when economists and politicians casually start to talk in billions. Perhaps the following may help to put things in perspective.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago Jesus was still alive.
A billion hours ago we were in the Stone Age.
A billion days ago nobody walked on two feet.
However, the Westminster Government manages to spend (or misspend), a billion pounds every 13 hours!
This may explain why, on their predicted figures, in two years, the national debt will be £1.6 trillion pounds that is one thousand six hundred billion pounds surely impossible to repay?
When the new schools curriculum is instituted in England, let’s hope arithmetic finds a place on the agenda for Eton!
Joseph G Miller. 44 Gardeners Street, Dunfermline.
Muirfield critics ignoring facts
Sir, Critics of Muirfield ignore the fact that for well over a century women have been able to play golf every Tuesday and Thursday as visitors and every day as members’ guests. When this was instituted in 1891 it was an extraordinary concession at that time.
Augusta’s decision to admit Condoleezza Rice was the purest tokenism and described by one of its (male) members as “killing two stones with one bird”. But the overriding issue known to everyone who has a serious interest in golf is that the Open needs the iconic Muirfield links a lot more than Muirfield needs the Open.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.