Budget backing

Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie’s motives are sound in saying his party will consider backing the SNP minority administration’s budget if Nicola Sturgeon rules out a second independence referendum.

Mr Rennie sadly needs reminding that the primary objective of the SNP, as per their constitution, is separating Scotland from the rest of the UK, not governing it.

The Greens may well threaten not to support the SNP budget, but when push comes to shove the two nationalist parties will most likely do a deal. The SNP administration, like any ruling party, wants to retain power. Come the Budget, we’ll inevitably witness the SNP persuing whatever far left agenda the Greens require of them. The Lib Dems will be out of the picture.

MARTIN REDFERN Woodcroft Road, Edinburgh