RECENTLY the DUP in Northern Ireland elected a new leader. Perhaps in the discussion about Mr Edwin Poot’s political and religious views which are so alien to many people in Scotland an important idea has been overlooked, and that is the idea that the leader of the DUP should not also hold the position of First Minister.

I suspect that the thinking behind this discussion is the recognition that there are inherent difficulties in having someone in office and seeking to ultimately administer policies which ultimately, like the Northern Ireland Protocol to which they are opposed. The whole situation in Northern Ireland is very different to that in Scotland and this question would not appear to be immediately relevant here.

However, perhaps we in Scotland should take notice of this development. Given the recent actions of the United Kingdom Government with the Single Market Bill, and the stated intention of that Government to take actions which would ignore the whole devolved arrangements, I wonder whether the SNP should not take the same decision, and accept that because of the behaviour of the British Government is disrespecting the very position of the devolved Government, leadership of the country and leadership of a political party which is devoted to radical constitutional change should not be held by the same person

I am not for one moment suggesting that the present First Minister should be removed from her role. Few watching will have failed to be impressed by her administrative skills, and the leadership which she has provided for the past 7 years. What I am suggesting is that with the actions of Messrs Johnson and Jack in attacking devolution it is going to be increasingly difficult for someone to work with these people and at the same time work for Independence.

An additional complication for anyone seeking to administer relationships between Westminster and the people of Scotland is that the events of Kenmure Street demonstrated that the aspirations of the people on the streets and the ideas of the Westminster Government differ wildly. The fact the Scottish Government were not even able to contact the political leadership in Westminster about the events demonstrates the contempt with which they are held by those in power in Westminster.

I have no idea of how this radical change can be managed but is suspect that it may be necessary if we are to bring Scotland to independence. I remember at the time of the 1997 Referendum a friend of mine arguing that ultimately the prediction of George Robertson would come true and that the weight and spoils of office would distract any Nationalist administration from its main task of seeking the reestablishment of an independent Scotland.

It could be argued that the weight of office has brought this to pass.

Edward Andrews
Nairn

JACKSON Carlaw’s recent parliamentary motion supporting Israeli government action against the Palestinians has correctly been branded cold-hearted ,war crime apologism. Yet his historically ignorant and partisan motion, backed by 10 of his colleagues, should come as no surprise to any observer who has studied Conservative foreign policies over the years.

Margaret Thatcher famously branded Nelson Mandela a terrorist whilst refusing to impose UK economic sanctions on South Africa, partly due to ideological right wing dogma but also because her husband Dennis needed to protect his considerable business interests there. The present UK Government policy of selling military expertise and weaponry to Saudi Arabia, principally to decimate the people of Yemen, was increased under Theresa May at a time when her husband, Philip, had strong links with BAE systems.

A succession of Conservative administrations have pursued ruthless, self serving and empathy-free foreign policies designed to maximise the wealth of ministers, party contributors and associates at the expense of democratic ideals, justice and human life.

Carlaw’s lack of concern for the tragic plight of the Palestinian people is callous but not atypical.

As Mr Carlaw’s Eastwood constituency houses 50% of Scotland’s Jewish population it is clear that his motives are political. He is perfectly content to abandon any sense of decency or genuine empathy to embrace cheap political convenience. Carlaw and the Tory nodding donkeys that supported his motion should be ashamed. I fear that this human emotion may be beyond them and their ilk.

Owen Kelly
Stirling