Heads together

The changes proposed to the way the Scottish Parliament operates may improve its efficiency to some extent but are unlikely to give us much better government. What is really required is a change in the way politicians conduct themselves. Let us have an end to the blanket opposition, the spurious outrage, the cunning manoeuvres, all designed to obtain mere party advantage.

Government is difficult. Action is demanded but any course proposed arouses legitimate objections from competing interest groups. How transforming it would be if MSPS, instead of reacting with strident posturing, were to work cooperatively towards finding an effective course of action broadly acceptable to most concerned. As for “confronting the government”, the media are quite good at that – and ultimately the electorate get to pass judgement.

S BECK Craigleith Drive, Edinburgh