SNP transport spokesman Nigel Don hit the nail on the head when he called for a cross-party delegation to lobby the Executive and Network Rail.

Politicians have to cast aside party allegiances and work together if Dundee’s interests are to be best served. — J. Brown, Dundee.

All he said was Israel exists on Palestinian land and should only be there if it gives equal rights to the Palestinians.

But as in the case of the Iraqi WMDs, western media quickly hyped up and exaggerated the speech.

Let us make this clear, Israel exists and it exists in the Middle East, Jews have lived successfully, and will live in the Middle East.

But how about thinking differently? If the West is so generous, why isn’t the state of Israel in Europe?

Of course when Jews lived in Europe, history tells us the Nazis tried to exterminate them. — Iranian Citizens, Dundee.

What is needed is a referendum on independence. The Scottish Parliament came about through the same process. — R. G., Kirriemuir.

But tonight, as I write this on the train on my way home from the Hearts v Dundee United game, I feel the average Dundonian is living down to an unfortunate stereotype and giving the city an incredibly bad name.

It started with children and parents at Edinburgh’s Haymarket station decked in United scarves, cursing and swearing, with the adults staggering about the platform with beer bottles.

“There’s no hope …” a man standing next to me muttered.

Is this really the image Dundee wants to portray to the outside world? Clearly it’s a cultural problem.

It’s the children for whom I feel sorry. They know no better, and are destined to copy their parents.

Come on Dundee, clean up your act. — St Andrews Reader.

There are few more idiotic acts than this.

All it needs is for fag ash to drop on to any part of the driver’s body he, or she, will have to take at least one hand off the wheel to dust away the burning ash.

It is right the police are cracking down on mobile phone use while driving — so how about hammering the fag-smoking drivers too? — Get Real, Perth.

I’d like to hear from as many of you as possible, to find out how much interest there is before we proceed any further.

The plan is to hold it some time in 2006, the year when most of us hit the big 4-0! Email me on: lesley.louise@gibtele.com — Lesley Louise (nee Smith), Gibraltar.

They all knew when they joined the force that a shift system was worked and they are paid accordingly.

With regard to court appearances during time off, this is paid as overtime or can be taken as time off in lieu.

If I was not happy with my job I would look for another, but I doubt if I would be able to find such a well-paid job for the hours worked with the security and benefits afforded to police officers. —Ex-Copper (30 years).

My message to disgruntled officers who are not happy is to move on and get another job. — Realist.

He held a 10-mile race record for 24 years (1930–1954) and through his own achievements qualified for the Olympic Games in 1928 without professional help or the sponsorship today’s athletes receive.

Dundee City Council should seriously consider establishing a Hall of Fame for the famous people of Dundee, as a reader previously suggested. — Forgotten.

Now in its 25th year, the appeal is a great way to get different generations together to celebrate Christmas.

Help the Aged is looking for people to support the appeal by arranging a carol singing event or collection either at their local church or in their community.

It doesn’t matter if you cannot sing, it just adds to the fun, laughter and festive spirit!

By taking part in the appeal you will be reaching out to lonely older people, showing them that there are people who do really care.

Whether you raise £10 or £500, every carol counts and every penny matters. Money raised will go towards helping older people feel less alone and isolated.

To organise your event please contact the Help the Aged Events Team on 0207 239 1922 or visit www.helptheaged.org.uk/events for a fundraising pack. — June Whitfield, Help The Aged.