Peter Cruddas, the Conservative Party co-treasurer, was filmed by an undercover journalist making an extraordinary promise that a donation of around £250,000 would gain the donor direct access to the Prime Minister, discussion of the donor's thoughts with the Government policy committee and perhaps even dinner with David and Samantha Cameron in their private apartment ("Cameron engulfed by cash for access row", The Herald, March 26).

As Mr Cruddas has been reported as a donor himself to the Conservative Party, one wonders how many dinners he has enjoyed and what influence his views have already had during the period of his donations. This episode casts an unfortunate light on the Conservatives and their whole structure.

Nigel Dewar Gibb,

15 Kirklee Road, Glasgow.

The Peter Cruddas affair again illustrates the flaws in the system of financing our political parties. Whether it's the trade unions or wealthy businessmen, the political parties seemingly must prostitute themselves in an effort to obtain money to oil the party machinery.

We all know what goes on but cash for access seems to be crossing the line into unacceptable territory. The alternative to fundraising is subsidising the parties from public funds. I would not be happy for my tax money to be given to a party or politicians whose policies I did not support nor respect.

The fundraising aspect also helps to rein in party expenditure whereas the recent MPs' expenses scandal has shown that once politicians become backed by the public financially, money is spent to excess.

Bob MacDougall,

Oxhill, Kippen,

Stirlingshire.

Accepting the old adage that there is no such thing as bad publicity, the Scottish Conservative Party must be rejoicing at the various comments regarding their recent Troon spring party conference (Letters, March 26.)

Without exception, the contributions were from Tory party antagonists. Unwittingly these same derogatory remarks may well have galvanised the Scottish Conservative support in the awaited referendum vote.

Conversely, the absence of any Tory letters of support would tend to confirm that "least said" is the approved Conservative public relations ploy. I would suggest both tactics are flawed.

As only just over 50% of the electorate voted in the last Holyrood elections the remaining, nearly two million, undecided potential voters seek positive informative campaigning from all credible parties. The present puerile comments merely insult the intelligence of an already disillusioned Scottish electorate.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue,

Giffnock.