AS the party manifestos are launched – and in light of the fact that all the parties are trying to “sell” their vision of the future to the electors – why can’t we have a scrutiny of the manifestos by an independent body such as Trading Standards or the Advertising Standards Agency – or a combination of both?

Charged with examining the manifestos and reporting on their veracity, they could list how many times similar policy proposals had been on offer and not followed through.

House building, hospital waiting times, immigration targets, education and classroom sizes come to mind as initial reference points for examination and reporting to the public.

The Advertising Standards Agency and Trading Standards have the responsibility for safeguarding the public from inaccuracies and serious attempts to mislead. We need something like this, sooner rather than later

Patrick McNally,

Kennoch House, St Quivox, Ayr.

WE are indebted to Jim McSheffrey for documenting the return of the Lesser Spotted Tory Cabinet Minister as a sign that spring has arrived (Letters, May 19).

The return of this endangered group is welcomed by an increasing number of admirers and their attractive blue colouring make them easily identifiable from our indigenous chirpy wee ScotNats.

The latter are distinguished by their yellow and black presentation, a repetitive "Indy Indy" call, and the fact that they never seem to go away.

R Russell Smith,

96 Milton Road, Kilbirnie.

It was interesting to note the range of criticism arraigned on the nine "errant" Labour councillors currently in local government spotlight (Letters, May 18). Considering the single transferable vote (STV) system currently operating it was inevitable that coalition administrations would arise. Much posturing of political principles has been made following declaration of the election results. Pity the candidates (Independents included) had not declared their "second or third preferences" (using the STV analogy) when conducting their pre-election campaigns on many trusting but naive electors.

So how will the apparent political impasse be resolved in our respective local council chambers? The mention and offer of an attractive SRA (Special Responsibility Allowance) will surely concentrate the minds of most swithering councillors. Thereby, problem resolved. The respective coalition Councillors will be happy in their work addressing local (not national) problems.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.