No place for threats or abuse

Madam, – I read with interest the Opinion of Kirstene Hair (Life in frontline a dangerous place, Courier, October 1).

I agree there is no place for threatening behaviour, intimidation, name calling or abuse of any kind either directly to an individual or through social media or any other medium.

Ms Hair relates her experiences as well as those of her staff and has every right to do so.

However, I believe her article goes beyond her personal condemnation

of such unacceptable behaviour and she has used this article as a form of pre-general election party political broadcast.

The content is at best full of generalisation, and at worst political point scoring. To suggest the independence referendum was responsible as a platform for the behaviour we now see is just plain wrong.

The independence referendum was, by anyone’s account, a very civilised affair, robustly fought on both sides.

Ms Hair exaggerates the outcome of the no vote. Her reason for no to a second independence referendum is “I do not wish to put my

country through such an aggressive campaign again”.

I can only regard this as very tongue in cheek.

What we do agree on is the rhetoric on all sides of the political divide has become worryingly partisan and lacking in tolerance.

My major concern, and I am sure Ms Hair agrees, is that many politicians are guilty of peddling false news, making unfounded statements regarding the opposition, are loose with the facts and malign their opponents.

Dan Wood. Charles Melvin Gardens, Kirriemuir.