Dear Orkney News,

Alistair Carmichael has made it clear in his first election leaflet that Shetland and Orkney have only two options at the upcoming general election.

The traditional choice – the Liberal Democrats – will leave us being represented by a man proven as dishonest in an election court. Trustworthiness aside, how can Mr Carmichael remain an effective Member of Parliament, with this national scandal hanging over him? His respect at Westminster has evaporated, his reputation is tainted, and – as part of the equally evaporated Liberal Democrat party – he can gain nothing for the isles.

I ask islanders to now turn their attention to the second option. Miriam Brett is an energetic, honest, progressive and well connected campaigner. She has no taint of scandal, no embedded stance at Westminster, and no history of lying. The SNP keep their promises, and – as the mother of two young daughters – our family have benefited immensely from their upheld and continuing pledge to ensure that university tuition will be free to students in Scotland.

The Lib Dems – whose own false promises over tuition fees have been well documented – are no longer doing enough to deserve to represent our islands, as they have in the past. Instead, I’ll be voting for the future – and the future of my daughters – by voting for Miriam Brett.

Diane McIntyre, Cunningsburgh, Shetland