WITH the oft-repeated complaint about MPs and MSPs ringing in our ears - that they've never lived in the "real" world outside of politics - it is refreshing to find that Scottish Labour is not only holding a proper election for its leaders for a change (rather than a coronation), but that at least two of the candidates on offer have had active lives outside the political bubble.

Neil Findlay has been a bricklayer and teacher, and Katy Clark, a lawyer known for her work with the poor and under- privileged. It will be interesting to see what the voting party members, MPs, MSPs and trades unionists make of - for the first time in a long time - genuinely competing visions of the direction the party should travel: left-leaning idealism tempered by realism, versus a blitz to retake the Blairite centre ground perhaps?

Because there's more to picking a winner than rolling dice, I am looking forward to a passionate debate, and hope that, regardless of the outcome, the losers command enough votes to ensure that the party in Scotland moves forward on a broad front, with compassionate, inclusive policies. At some time (and maybe sooner than we think) Labour will be back in power at Holyrood, and it must then be ready to govern.

David Fiddimore,

12 Nether Craigwell,

Calton Road,

Edinburgh.

IT seems that all three main Westminster political parties have one thing in common: their general unpopularity. This applies even to the party leading in any particular poll. Some would argue that this is due to dissatisfaction with the leadership of those parties, with accusations of them living in the "Westminster bubble". =This complaint does not apply to the leaders of our Scottish parties.

As the SNP is demonstrating, even loss at a strategic juncture does not affect popularity. That is surely largely down to its leadership. With Nicola Sturgeon due to become leader, the party has an undeniably accomplished politician who has never lost her connection with the people. With regard to the other parties, Ruth Davidson came into her own during the referendum, showing both intelligence and a much-needed common touch. Willie Rennie of the Liberal Democrats continues to impress as an industrious and strong leader and may even be credited with the very survival of his party in the years ahead. In Patrick Harvie, the Scottish Green Party could not have a more articulate advocate for their cause.

The existing leaders are all formidable in their own way. That leaves the Labour Party to select someone who can not only challenge the existing leaders, but who will see the benefit in working with them to ensure that the best interests of Scotland are put before any narrow political agenda.

Jim Murphy satisfies those criteria. I say this as the father of one who actually stood against him in 2001. I have actively campaigned against him in General Elections, but, like many voters in East Renfrewshire who do not vote for him, I regard him as a first-class leader and worthy First Minister-in-waiting, capable of forming a constructive coalition for the common good.

As a retired trade union member, I will be casting my vote for Jim in his leadership campaign. As a Scottish Liberal Democrat, I will be supporting my party leader, Willie Rennie, in the parliamentary elections. As a democrat, I hope Nicola Sturgeon, Ruth Davidson and Patrick Harvie continue to lead their parties with their undeniable intellect and passion.

Ambiguous? Perhaps, but it is positive ambiguity and I think we all need to get used to it - it certainly beats the droning negativity going on south of the Border. Fused and properly channelled, the combined talent of these leaders can work for our common good, which is exactly what the Scottish Parliament was created to enable.

Allan C Steele,

22 Forres Avenue,

Giffnock.

I HAVE been hoping in vain that someone would address the following questions in your columns, so I will raise them myself. Assuming he wins the leadership contest,does anybody out there know:

l Which Labour MSP is going to vacate his seat in order that Jim Murphy can fight it?

l If this is not achieved by May, how can he fight his East Renfrewshire constituency having stated clearly that his future no longer lies at Westminster?

l What are the power parameters of a seatless Holyrood party leader?

I have nothing against Mr Murphy, but I am genuinely baffled by the situation. Can anyone help?

Anne Maitland,

Rhuvaal,

Shore Road, Cove.