THE recent disaster of the running of the election does not exactly instill confidence in our electoral system.

Much has been done recently to try to improve our pitiful turnout in elections, yet such a shambles will most likely turn many people off voting.

In some ways, who can blame them? When officials make such a mess of things, including problems regarding the computerised system, the nature of the ballot papers and holding council elections with a new format on the same day as the parliamentary elections (issues which they were forewarned about), how can anyone be expected to feel as if they are making a difference by casting their vote?

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has got to take responsibility for this farce and should resign.

Sadly, however, we no longer live in an age of ministerial accountability, and Mr Alexander will be allowed to remain.

I only hope that people do not give up hope of changing things through the ballot boxes as a result. Only with convincing turnout can we restore credibility to our political system. M H Caulfield, Bishopbriggs Fair exchange for us

Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president-elect, has outlined his priorities.

He says he will be scrapping payroll tax and social charges on overtime pay. Mortgage interest is to become tax deductible. Inheritance tax will be dropped for 95% of households.

Students who work to finance themselves will not pay tax. Repeat offenders will face stiff prison sentences, and unemployed people who refuse to work will lose benefits.

I wonder if Mr Sarkozy can be persuaded to come to the UK and put some backbone into our politicians? Even better, could we do a swap?

Gordon Brown and one million Euros to France in exchange for Sarkozy. Clark Cross, Linlithgow Where does tax go?

ON Monday morning I was horrified to see the obscene amount of rubbish that had been dumped on the pavement outside a close in Onslow Drive in Dennistoun.

As Glasgow City Council was closed for the Bank Holiday I could not report this problem until Tuesday. I was told the wait could be anything up to 20 days.

My council tax is £140 per month. With 14 closes, and eight residences in each on this section of Onslow Drive alone, the council are taking £15,000 per month. It is a disgrace that we have to live in a pig-sty for such a time. Anne Crowe, Dennistoun Draft army into city

I AM 21 and ex-Army and I wonder why the armed forces in Scotland don't help out the police by patrolling the streets of Glasgow, and giving the police force more time to deal with major crimes? Steven, Glasgow HOT TOPIC: We need swift security checks

A consolidated security check area sounds like a good idea, as long as it's fully staffed and BAA don't just use it as an excuse to cut down on staffing, therefore increasing security screening times for passengers. Allen McLaughlin, Paisley Airport needs M74 link

WhilE the missing M74 link to the south side of the Kingston Bridge remains unfinished, Glasgow Airport, even with these improvements, runs a serious risk of being overtaken by Edinburgh as Scotland's leading airport. Colin Glass, Bellshill Glasgow still top hub

There has been a concerted effort to promote Edinburgh so that it can become Scotland's air hub. Glasgow has had more passengers for years and will continue to do so.

The M74 needs to be completed, but I wouldn't hold my breath with an SNP-Green coalition! G, Glasgow Poor transport links

The priority should be creating a fast, efficient and reasonably priced public transport link to the airport. The parking prices are outrageous yet there is no other option to get to and from our international hub'. Juan, Glasgow Edinburgh subsidies

OF course Glasgow is busier. The population in the Glasgow area is almost five times that of Edinburgh. Look at the cash aid that Edinburgh has had to promote it. Once aid is withdrawn, the flights will decrease. Ian, Glasgow Terminal design is a dud

Good Lord! In an era when airports are evocative, sexy experiences designed by the finest international architects, the images for Glasgow's entrance into this brave new world shows a bland glass box housing a queue of glum slackers outside a Sunglass Hut. Guru, Glasgow Third-rate architecture

YET again, Glasgow must sit back as a third-rate piece of junk is thrown up in the name of architecture. Dan, Glasgow More foreign flights

Glasgow is being starved of the resources it needs to compete. An example: from Glasgow to France you can fly only to Paris. France is a major neighbour, yet there's only one city you can reach from Glasgow. Joseph, Glasgow WRITE: Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. Please include your name and address. E-MAIL: letters@eveningtimes.co.uk Please include postal address. TEXT: key in the word 'etletters', leave a space then send your comments to 88010. Max 160 characters. Please include your name or initials and where you're from. Texts cost 25p at all times.