IT is of course essential that all those in public life bear, without exception, responsibility for their misdeeds ("Carmichael nailed by a lie", The Herald, May 23).

With this in mind I have never understood why the likes of Ruth Marr (Letters, May 26) and indeed the media did not insist as vociferously that Alex Salmond be "nailed" for misleading the electorate when he insisted that he had spoken to senior European figures and was in possession of legal advice relating to an independent Scotland's entry into Europe.

The voters recognise double standards when they see them.

John Milne,

9 Ardgowan Drive,

Uddingston.

IF Alistair Carmichael is sincere in his assertion that his conduct in authorising the leak of the memo was of such a nature that he would have resigned as a Secretary of State if he were still in post, why does he consider it acceptable that he should remain as a member of the Privy Council?

Alex Turnbull,

3 Princes Gardens, Glasgow.