BRIAN Beacom surprises himself by praising Piers Morgan for his robust treatment of politicians on the subject of the coronavirus (“I never thought I’d say it – thank goodness for Piers Morgan”, The Herald, April 22). Mr Beacom refers to politicians taking the opportunity to “obfuscate” and taking “a thick black bingo marker to the unanswered question”.

Politicians, of course, apply various techniques to avoid answering questions put to them by interviewers. These range from attacking the question to attacking the questioner, and from ignoring the question to answering a completely different question. Politicians over the years learn to hone these skills. The most important issue for them usually is not the imparting of information, but rather ensuring that they do not lose face. Their own image and that of their party must be protected.

One recalls what is viewed as a classic interview in 1997, which Jeremy Paxman conducted with Michael Howard, former Home Secretary and future Tory leader. Mr Howard was asked the same question 12 times concerning what had transpired at a meeting he had had, when in government, with the Head of Prisons in England. He some time later conceded that the interview had not been ‘my finest hour’.

There will be many who will share the somewhat jaundiced view once expressed of politicians by Quentin Letts: “It takes a warped audacity to go forth and stultify.” However, we should bear in mind that we get the politicians we deserve. After all, the public bear the responsibility for putting them in position in the first place.

Ian W Thomson, Lenzie.

The American Burns

DELIGHTED to see reference to the American poet John Greenleaf Whittier in the Letters Pages (April 24).

When I delivered Immortal Memories, I often referred to 19th century American poets influenced by Burns, known as the Fireside Poets. Whittier was one of those and also a hymn writer, including Dear Lord and Father of Mankind and O Brother Man. Where did he get that idea?

In Arun Wood’s book on Burns and the United States he describes Whittier as the American Burns and concludes with Whittier’s lines:

No more these simple flowers belong

To Scottish maid and lover:

Sown in the common soil of song

They bloom the wide world over.

Bill Cowan, Irvine.

Praise for the Beatson

I RECENTLY spent more than two weeks in the Beatson hospital in Glasgow undergoing cancer treatment in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, I was checked on three separate occasions for the virus and fortunately three times I was declared free on this deadly disease.

I write to express my gratitude to all the staff at the Beatson at this most trying of times. All the staff – consultants, doctors, porters, catering staff and all support staff, but mainly the brilliant nurses. In my humble opinion the Beatson must be the finest medical centre in the world.

I went into the Beatson – a cold, tired, broken man and came out a human being – all thanks to their medical skills and great nursing techniques.

John C Horn, Ayr.

The spirit of debate

I AM one of the many who take the opportunity to air their thoughts on the UK’s/Scotland’s comings and goings and keeping James Gracie amused (Letters, April 23). Never for one moment do I expect my comments to be God’s word on the matter, nor do I wish to step into the politicians’ or whoever’s shoes. Instead I class it as written debate, albeit kind of one-sided from each entry. I am therefore delighted that he has entered into the spirit of things with his own letter, and yes Mr Grace, it did raise a wee smile on my face.

George Dale, Beith.

Dump the bags

FOLLOWING on from Malcom Parkin’s point about multi-use plastic bags (Letters, April 24), I have discovered a simple personal truth that with a car there is no need for bags. In fact, my whole checkout process has been speeded up and supermarket exposure time reduced if everything is just dumped back in the trolley then contents bagged at the car, or as I prefer, loaded directly into the boot; and I also retain the capacity to return the empty trolley before departure.

James Devine, Bishopbriggs.

Running free

IT was wonderful to see a runner on the front page of the Sport section (“Laura Muir: A tribute to the coach who kept me on track”, April 24), supplanting the football industry. Keep it up please. Running is a sport that more and more people are taking up these days.

It can be done while social distancing, participants don’t need to paid mega-millions and it could help get and keep the nation healthy.

Patricia Fort, Glasgow G1.

Cris de Coeur

OH, please: bring back Greggs!

Ann Chisolm, Edinburgh EH11.