Cable snaps

Perhaps Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable felt he had to overcompensate for his septuagenarian status with intemperate language in defence of the young (Scotsman, August 7).

His age should not be a factor in assessing his leadership qualities, but his use of words certainly should be.

To suggest that the ‘old have comprehensively shafted the young’ over Brexit is not just insulting to many voters, it is a hopeless generalisation about the elderly’s attitudes towards the European Union.

The vote to leave was primarily about disaffection with politics among all age groups.

His awful references to the ‘Brexit jihadis’ and violence makes me wonder if he has lost a sense of proportion.

If he wants to shed the image of an elder statesman with loads of experience for that of a suited ‘young turk’ then he has gone the wrong way about it.

A number of voters - young and old - voted to remain a member of the EU not just because of matters related to prosperity and jobs.

They recognised that maintaining a free trade bloc on the continent was a key factor in helping to maintain peace in a continent twice ravaged by conflict in the twentieth century.

Sir Vince’s credibility would be enhanced if he was to concentrate on that as well as issues that might appeal across the generations. These include the triple lock on pensions, easing the burden of tuition fees south of the border, promoting regional aid and training, and investment in the digital future. He has some expertise in all these areas. He should be putting it to a positive use rather than creating unnecessary friction between people more willing to work together than he appears to realise.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court, Glenrothes