Answering the usual suspects

Sir, – The Courier letters page (June 5) contained a mix of anti Scottish/snp letters from the usual suspects.

A A Bullions attacked the SNP Government for Scottish economic performance figures, which are the result of London’s mismanagement.

Rather than emulating the other successful, fully independent, Scotlandsized countries, his answer is what? To continue with the current ruinous arrangement with a cataclysmic Brexit looming on the horizon?

Allan Bell claims the Scottish Government has all the powers it needs. His inclusion of welfare, benefits, finance and tax conveniently overlooks the highly-restricted nature of its influence in these matters. Various SNP amendments to the Scotland Bill were all defeated and we were told by David Mundell this was for our own good. Mr Bell’s claim is that Scotland’s, “dire performance” is due to, “incompetence”. Agreed, but he misses the mark by attempting to smear a Scottish government, operating under a fixed budget, which has the best track record in the UK. Rev Dr John Cameron demands our First Minister get on with the, “day job”. Nicola Sturgeon’s day job is Scotland – its people, its industries, its public services, its future well being and prosperity, all pursued with an ambitious, pro-scottish intent. A point lost on Keith Howell, who claims Ms Sturgeon stands, “with those who are against the UK”. Scotland is the UK, Mr Howell. Our First Minister has a mandate from the people of this country, a constituent partner of the union from which the United Kingdom derives its title. A mandate she rightly and properly exercises on our behalf.

Ken Clark. Thorter Way, Dundee.