WE would like to offer the following observations on the leadership election. We offer them as life-long socialists and supporters of Scottish independence. One of us is a member of the SNP.

First, we must remind ourselves that is a political election, not a personal/religious one.

Second, as such, the candidates should afford top priority to their views on independence, its means of realisation and the kind of society they wish an independent Scotland to be.

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Third, given that the SNP, other strands of the independence movement and the Scottish Government are committed to the creation of a more inclusive, fairer and non-discriminatory society, including support for same-sex relationships and marriage, the candidates should explicitly declare their political commitments to these goals.

Fourth, while some candidates may personally disagree with some of these goals, they should subordinate them to the overall goals of the SNP, the “movement” and the government.

Fifth, to elevate “the personal” above “the political” is, at best, somewhat naive, and, at worst, to invite charges of being arrogant and failing to demonstrate the necessary commitment to “the cause”.

Six, such elevation is potentially to invite, whether accidentally or deliberately, unproductive conflict, division and fragmentation among supporters of independence.

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Seven, many years in socialist and labour politics have demonstrated to us the absolute futility of the politics of arrogance, dogmatism, sectarianism and hatred. They weaken the movement, lose voters and potential sympathisers and give strength to opponents. All those opposed to independence will be greatly heartened by recent and current events.

Eight, the cause of independence must not only be inclusive, but also tolerant. Debates should be conducted in a an honest, robust and respectful manner. In acting in this way, we can demonstrate the high quality and tone of the independence movement and its total opposition to the “gutter politics” so characteristic of the right in the modern age.

Kate Kirk and Neville Kirk
Golspie

THE issue with regards to political leaders’ faith is solely whether their faith is going to have them, in a largely secular society, stand against a progressive and forward-looking consensus or be a barrier to that.

It is to the credit of Ms Forbes that she has made her position clear on this important matter.

William Marshall
Innellan, Argyll

I WAS surprised by Richard Walker’s article (Faith does not give you extra rights or any immunity to justified criticism, Feb 24), but relieved to note on an earlier page of your paper that his is the view of a very small minority of SNP supporters. The poll you quote found only 5% think the new leader’s faith or personal beliefs are important.

I don’t share some of Kate Forbes’s views but agree with the great majority who understand that her position is no different from that of Humza Yousaf or indeed Anas Sarwar or Rishi Sunak in that she is a democrat who will abide by what is decided by parliament regardless of her religious views as a Christian – or as a Muslim or a Hindu in the case of the others.

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The decision for SNP supporters is over who is best able to advance the cause of independence. Do we want a fresh face who will bring a new momentum to the drive for independence, and who is very well qualified to argue the economic case – which is what lost the referendum in 2014? Or do we want more of the same. but without the charisma of Nicola Sturgeon? To me the answer is obvious.

David McCarthy
Kinross

WELL said, Richard Walker. Religion has no place in politics, which should always be founded on rational ideas. As he suggests, being anti-religious is not a form of bigotry, just the logical outcome of testing our beliefs against the available evidence.

Where do ideas of right and wrong come from? Perhaps this has less to do with the Bible than with our common experience of human suffering.

Alastair McLeish
Edinburgh

I WOULD be immensely proud to have Kate Forbes as my daughter. That would be a gain for me.

A loss for me now, is the loss of respect for Richard Walker in response to his article regarding Kate Forbes. A disgraceful, ill-considered diatribe against a respectable young woman and mother. The STV interview resulted in another loss – I have no interest in hearing anything further from the bespectacled character who baited Kate persistently.

Women complain of bullying by men. Two examples in plain sight. My wife and I have encouraged our daughters to develop their talents and enjoy life. Fending off bullying men should not be required.

Gavin Barrie
via email