Scots Secretary

Should someone who has called for the abolition of the post of secretary of state for Scotland accept that position in government? A good deal of woolly thinking has been expressed by David Cairns MP and others about Danny Alexander's appointment to the post (your report, 13 May).

There is no conflict in accepting that office to try and ensure its abolition in the long term. SNP MPs take their place in Westminster for broadly the same reason: to argue the case for independence from within.

Everyone knows the Liberal Democrats want to move towards a federal set-up in the United Kingdom. That would involve giving Scotland fiscal powers that go far beyond what is proposed by Calman.

Indeed Mr Alexander has a big challenge in getting those internally inconsistent proposals through the House of Commons. He may well wonder whether it is worth the trouble, and to go for something close to fiscal autonomy instead.

Therein lies an opportunity for the SNP. The Holyrood government and the SNP MPs in Westminster can work with the new secretary of state to try and go beyond Calman.

With the right amount of guile and pressure both parties can greatly strengthen the devolution settlement.

Those moves towards greater autonomy would make the role of secretary of state increasingly meaningless.

Mr Alexander's earlier desire to abolish the post might not seem so expedient after all.

BOB TAYLOR

Shiel Court

Glenrothes