Readers' letters

Understandably, our political eyes are focused on the fact that today the country has, for the first time in memory, only one credible political party.

There is no political opposition worthy of the name.

However, there is taking place in America a Presidential Election campaign, the outcome of which will have enormous consequences for the Western world. We would do well to study it.

In a lifetime of studying and witnessing American politics, I have never encountered two more unsuitable candidates. Neither is fit to occupy the White House or become commander-in-chief of America’s armed services. For one to be called a serial liar, a security risk and be told she ought to be in prison, and her opponent called a bigot, misogynist and crude is bordering on the unbelievable. The two are representing the world’s most powerful democracy, not a third-world dictatorship. The acrimony and mud-slinging, no matter how justified, is seriously demeaning America. The only ones who are benefiting are the enemies of the West.

Barry Clayton

Address supplied

families

Parents, turn off screens

A few months ago, the Daily Telegraph published an article in which it stated that when youngsters leave primary school, some lack essential social skills.

This afternoon, I can understand why, because I have lost count of the number of parents I have seen who were more concerned about their mobile phones or tablets than speaking to their child.

As I was walking to the library just now, I saw a father on his tablet apparently more interested in what was on his ‘computer’ than for the well-being of his children!

I know it may seem ‘OTT’, but if a parent is not interested in the welfare of their offspring – then what would happen if the court suddenly made the children wards of court?

That would certainly raise a few eyebrows – would it not?

I have lost count at the number of times I have seen this happen, so I have decided to comment, hoping that I may prick their conscience into looking after their children, which is a social, moral obligation and a legal requirement.

Norman Tomlinson

via email

animals

Keep your cat safe

May I appeal to cat owners to please keep your cat indoors after dark. Cats that go out in the dark are more likely to be hit by a car, get into cat fights – resulting in infected scratches or abscesses, and run the risk of catching cat flu, all of which will need veterinary treatment. They can also be driven miles from home and become lost after curling up unseen in a car.

Cats love warmth, so it isn’t difficult to encourage them to stay indoors where they are safe from danger.

Josephine Harwood

via email

european union

Win my vote

Now that everyone has experienced the minor economic and political upheaval caused by Brexit, perhaps it is time for a second referendum. Remainers could win my vote this time were they only prepared to offer minor concessions like blue passports, the right to sell petrol by the gallon and a return to weather forecasts in comprehensible units.

Join Eoin Douglas

Address supplied