Points of view

Tax The Liberal Democrat conference has left me very confused.

M Smythe Edinburgh

Referendum The Liberal Democrats tell us that they will not enter a pact with the SNP unless the SNP drops its plans to hold a referendum on independence, which is about as silly a statement as insisting that they won't enter into a pact with vegetarians unless they drop their aversion to eating meat. Democrats? You must be joking.

David McEwan Hill Sandbank, Argyll

Tolls Isn't modern technology wonderful? The new toll booths on the Forth Road Bridge are now in use, and there are delays under traffic conditions now where there were no delays in the past.

Roy Alder Dalgety Bay, Fife

Broccoli When I was a wee lassie (I am now 78) broccoli mercifully didn't seem to exist. We had cauliflower, cabbage, neeps, but no broccoli. So when did this green menace creep on to our vegetable shelves? I have never liked it, but would occasionally cook it for my reluctant family on the basis that it is "good for you". However, I can now happily ignore it and blame it on the genes.

Isobel Robertson Dundee