Sir, I was outraged to read about Nick Clegg’s ludicrous suggestion for paying child benefit at local rates in Europe. It shows how out of touch he is, not only with the majority of public opinion on this issue, but with the Conservative Party who he is supposed to be working together with for the good of this country.
This European law desperately needs to be scrapped. Why should the UK be paying for children from another country?
If someone from Poland, to cite Nick Clegg’s example, chooses to leave their family and come to this country to find work then they should send money back to Poland and not expect British taxpayers to support their children.
But, of course, Britain is seen as a soft touch and while we remain part of the EU these inane schemes will be commonplace.
Nick Clegg has almost become a saboteur of what the Government is trying to do with regards to the EU in recent times.
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.
Left nation even more divided
Sir, When Alex Salmond resigned as First Minister, having dominated Scottish politics for a quarter of a century, he left the nation more divided than at any time since the 1745 rebellion.
There is no road-map for his successor, no dissertation exploring the meaning of nationalism for a tiny, remote European statelet, or how it might improve the lives of its citizens.
For all his boasted financial background he made a hash of key economic issues and never explained how our limited private sector was going to pay for his benefits.
He signed off with the threat that if new powers were not delivered “we will take matters into our own hands”. Characteristically, though, he gave no indication of what that might entail.
Nicola Sturgeon is adifferent kind of politician, less of a populist and further to the left, with a shrill West of Scotland stridencyevidenced by her stairheid rammy with Johann Lamont.
But her tendency to re-fight lost battles, to be deflected by side issues like Trident or land reform and to promise even more uncosted giveaways does not bode well for the future.
Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
Ignoring that clear decision?
Sir, Does AlexSalmond’s proposal to “take matters into our own democratic hands” (Courier, November 15) mean ignoring, or despising, the clear decision of the majority of Scots two months ago?
The impressive seriousness of the referendum campaign was partly because people knew (or thought they knew) that this was a decision which would either be irrevocable (in the case of a “yes” vote) or for at least a generation (in the case of a “no” vote), in the then words of Mr Salmond, which I take to mean at least 30 years.
How different from the Greens who, while hardly less keen on independence, have gracefully accepted the outcome and moved on.
Actually, a recurringneverendum could play into the hands of the No cause because people would think that, so long as they voted “no”, they would always have another chance.
Antony Black. 79 Blackness Avenue, Dundee.
Careful choice of venue?
Sir, Was Perth chosen as the venue of the SNP conference due to its proximity to Scone, for the enthronement of Nicola, Queen of Scots?
G E Muir. 70 Abbey Road, Scone.
Had to smile at alliance jibe…
Sir, I had to smile recently when watching First Minister’s Questions (November 13). Alex Salmond lambasted Labour’s Jackie Baillie for working with the Tories in the Better Together Campaign.
His words to Ms Baillie were: “Any political party in alliance with the Tory party is destined to destruction in Scotland.”
The SNP council administration here in Perth and Kinross is kept in power through an alliance with the 10 Tory councillors.
The Conservatives hold two convenerships in the administration as part of that agreement.
I am quite sure MrSalmond is aware of this.
He is a remarkablepolitician. It is just very disappointing that absolutely nothing he says can be taken at face value.
Cllr Willie Robertson. LibDem Councillorfor Kinross-shire, Perth & Kinross Council.
Just like those old gas lamps
Sir, I totally agree with Rodger Scott’s letter (November 14), regarding the downgrading of the street lighting in Perth.
I live in St Madoes, where the lighting was replaced a few years ago, and I know from then that the 55 watt lamps were replaced by 36 watt lamps. This created light “pools” and dark spots between the lamp posts.
It is quite correct to liken them to the old gas lamps.
Jim Balneaves. 4 Tayside Place, St Madoes, Perth.