ALEX Gallagher (Letters, October 14) suggests that if the referendum had produced a different result, an independent Scotland would have a much bigger fiscal deficit than the UK, no national currency, a collapsing oil income, no ability to borrow, and no idea how to manage its own economy. On the other hand, Mr Gallagher believes that the United Kingdom has all the wealth, fiscal strength and political stability to support such a miserably inadequate Scotland, and come to our rescue when our politicians make a complete mess of running our own affairs. What a desperately pessimistic – and unrealistic – opinion he has of his fellow Scots and his own country.

Has Mr Gallagher not noticed that his preferred choice, the UK, despite getting rid of Mr Gallagher’s hopeless party, Labour, from government more than five years ago, is still running an annual fiscal deficit of around £100 billion every year (and forecast to rise to £128 billion in 2015/16), and an eye-watering national debt of over £1.3 billion. The UK Government (whatever its political leanings) is still in thrall to the all-powerful moguls in the City, and has made little or no attempt to control them or guard against another catastrophic financial collapse. Is this the all-powerful, wealthy and stable nation and parliamentary system that he thinks Scotland should depend on for advice on economic and financial management?

Many other small nations with far fewer natural assets and talents than Scotland seem to manage perfectly well in the big wide world (and much better than the UK is doing), so why shouldn’t we follow their example? It is only the doom merchants like Mr Gallagher who are holding us back with their constant pessimism and lack of belief in our own nation.

Iain AD Mann,

7 Kelvin Court, Glasgow.