Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.5°C   S Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Letters / Entitled to share my personal views

In answer to Andrew Emmerson’s letter on ‘Being honest and declaring your political allegiance’(Shetland News, 23 February 2021), he accuses me of being a “regular commentator” when in fact this was my first letter to Shetland News.
I did not accuse Beatrice [Wishart] of lying. I said her campaign was not the positive one we had been promised and that her campaign bent the truth by using a sensationalised figure to attack Shetland mental health’s performance during a pandemic.

I’m curious that Mr Emmerson is demanding that letter writers must now declare their party-political allegiance. It’s not something I’ve noticed other writers doing. Why pick on me?

I feel it’s especially odd that he’s so aggrieved about my letter when Tavish [Scott] and Beatrice obfuscated their party ties for years while they were Shetland Island councillors.

Surely councillors who are elected to represent us, should be more transparent about their political beliefs.

The truth is, I’m a private citizen, not electoral candidate. I do not represent the SNP or speak for them. I am entitled to share my personal opinions, as myself, and so is everyone else.

Ian Johnstone
Lerwick

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.