Kiss of death

Is it any wonder the search for candidates for the new deputy leader for the SNP goes on (Scotsman, 5 March)? The latest refusals make the correct noises but it is clear that becoming deputy leader of the SNP is a virtual kiss of death.

One talked-of potential deputy, Pete Wishart, is holding on by his fingernails to his Westminster seat. He has a majority of 22 votes over the Tories. He is most likely to be out of a seat come the next election whether deputy leader or not.

Had he not jumped and walked away from being a candidate for the job, he would certainly have been pushed.

There is no way the SNP machine could have contemplated two deputy leaders in succession being tossed out by the voters.

ALEXANDER MCKAY New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh