Letters / What Liberalism is about

Just over 100 years ago the little magazine called The Shetlander, for Shetland Workers, referred to an ‘incident of the late parliamentary election’, as follows:

‘First Working Man – ‘“John, what’s du tinkin noo aboot dis elekshun?’”
‘Second Working man – ‘“Tinkin aboot hit! I’m tinkin ta vote is I’m aye dune, for da Leebral!’”
‘First Working Man – ‘“Dan du still believes in Leebralism, John?’”
‘Second Working Man (with emphasis) – ‘“I dö dat! I’m bune a Leebral a me time.’”
‘First Working Man – ‘“What is Leebralism, John?’”
‘Second Working Man (after a little reflection) – ‘“Leebralism is – feth I can hardly richtly tell dee what hit is!’

Brian Smith
Weisdale