Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, I was astonished to read (September 23) that MP Jim Murphy would be unlikely to put himself forward as a potential prime minister because he is a Roman Catholic. What arrant nonsense.
Mr Murphy does not have the ability to be PM but can clearly self-publicise. I think, though, that to suggest his religion is a hypothetical hindrance is more likely to be intended to highlight his leaning to gain support from similarly-inclined voters in his constituency.
I have no idea what religious beliefs rest with my own MP, Lindsay Roy, nor do I care. I prefer to know that he is a hard-working and successful representative on behalf of everyone in his constituency.
Whatever faith they are part of, and also if they have none, they will get equal levels of help, advice and guidance from Mr Roy and he will not waste time blethering the way that Mr Murphy has done.
Religious intolerance comes in many, all unacceptable, guises. Suggesting that your own is a drawback is one of those forms.
I do not see Mr Murphy as a Tartuffe. He is, however, certainly an impostor with opinions that are laughable.
Agnes Joyce Smith.4 Lime Grove,Methil.
Reservations in youth matters
Sir, As long as homosexuality is not made compulsory, what others do in their own home is no concern of mine.
The way things are going, however, it is not homosexuals who feel under siege, but Christians who object to the homosexuals’ way of life being held up as a model for living on equal terms with the traditional marriage between male and female.
We object in particular to having practising and outed homosexuals appointed to positions of authority in schools, churches and youth organisations.
Eric Manzie (September 23) accuses a previous writer of homophobia and would no doubt regard me in the same light.
I should never dream of treating a homosexual differently from any other person, except for the following reservations:
Same-sex relationships? Yes, but not marriage and certainly not in church.
Openly practising homosexual ministers, teachers and youth workers? No.
George K. McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
More children are heading for Fife
Sir, Since the collapse of negotiations with St Andrews University, it would appear that the Fife Council administration has very quickly ruled out the prospect of two schools in north-east Fife one in St Andrews the other in the Newport area.
The reason given is that the roll is falling at Madras. However, with the anticipated handover of RAF Leuchars to the army and the prospect of a brigade-strength deployment to Leuchars, this might equate to several battalions plus support units such as signals, artillery, REME and many others, implying three to four thousand personnel and their families.
This means a lot of young families with children of school age.
Colin Topping.26 Crathes Close,Glenrothes.
Apology in new school row
Sir, Councillor Bryan Poole may not be aware that even in 2007 the Madras roll was still nearly 1700, and as such could have supported two schools of 800 pupils. As Fife Council education service had for years underestimated the number of pupils attending Madras, it is scarcely surprising that any suggestion it would drop by another 300 in four years would have been treated with caution, not to say scepticism, yet the roll is below 1400 and continuing to fall.
For years, the previous Labour administration were set against any significant amelioration in the teaching and learning environment in St Andrews.
They steadfastly refused to admit that there was anything wrong with having such a large school, on a split site and in deteriorating accommodation.
Their former education spokesperson said north-east Fife would only get a new school ”over (his) dead body”.
By contrast, the present administration, with Liberal Democrat participation, was not prepared to accept the status quo and set about doing something about it.
If I misled anyone in the 2007 council election I apologise for so doing. However, I and north-east Fife Liberal Democrats make absolutely no apology for making the best possible education for our children a priority.
Despite the undoubted setback caused by the failure of the university negotiations, Liberal Democrats are committed to providing the best possible education.
Jane Ann Liston.North-East Fife Liberal Democrats,5 Whitehill Terrace,Largo Road,St Andrews.
Inconsistent fuel prices in Dundee
Sir, Have any of your readers noticed the variation in fuel prices at the three main Tesco stores in Dundee?
Despite customer complaints leading to apologies and promises that future prices will be the same, this seldom happens.
David Crerar.9 Morris Place,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.