Letter: Hollow praise

Of all the kind words being said about Wendy Alexander's departure from Holyrood (your reports, 18 February), the "praise" from the First Minister rings most hollow.

Alex Salmond, recognising her as a threat, conducted a vicious war of words on Wendy Alexander when she was Labour leader, far beyond any normal political roughhouse give and take.

It was disgraceful and at times approached sadism. For him now to speak well of her merely reinforces the suspicion that he is the supreme political hypocrite.

Labour's problem has been, and remains, the fact that its most talented people prefer Westminster and consider Holyrood parochial - the wee pretendy parliament - perhaps with some justification.

Like a young footballer wishing to play at the highest possible level they seek what they consider the top league.

Alexander McKay

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh