MacNeil superhero

Sir,

In his efforts to confer superhero status on Angus B MacNeil, the SNP spokesperson, David Wilson credits the MP with a number of barely credible achievements. Words become in themselves deeds. Thoughts become actions. With his X-ray vision or, possibly, 4G mobile coverage for the Western isles, he is even able to look into the minds of his opponents.

For instance, we are told he 'shamed' a government minister into taking action on the fuel situation in the North of Scotland. Forgive my obvious stupidity, but how, in the name of Kryptonite, can anyone possibly know that?

Letter: MacNeil’s “superhero tendencies”

9 April 2015

What special knowledge does any individual possess about the inner working of another person's heart and mind, especially when their interests and those of their constituency happen to coincide with their own?

One would be fascinated by what else David Wilson thinks is the effect Mr MacNeil has on his other friends and opponents. Does he, for instance, tantalise Theresa May? Bamboozle Bercow? Excite and entertain the Eds - either Balls or Milliband? Embarrass Alex Salmond? (One or two items in that list might just be true!)

There is one aspect of David Wilson's letter, however, that I profoundly welcome - that is his insistence that people go to either Hansard or the relevant websites to examine the profundity and depth of Angus B MacNeil's contributions to the House of Commons over the past years. Can I suggest that they go further? When the Western Isles MP arrived in Westminster, he launched a campaign to ensure clarity, transparency and accountability in the political system. Can he now extend this to his actions as a parliamentary representative for his constituency? Will he be good enough to allow people access to his files, for instance, on his work 'defending' the Benbecula Range or 'supporting' the case for the interconnector?

There might be a few stories to be told there too.

Donald S Murray

Seasgair

Casho

Quarff

Shetland

PS. I am prepared to forgive the Icelandic lessons at the taxpayers' expense. Clearly they were an allowable expense for to allow the MP to take on the role of a Nordic super-hero in a forthcoming Hollywood blockbuster.