I was appalled by Simon Fanshawe's article associating an extremely emotive issue, thousands dead in New York, with the idea that only an executive mayor could provide the necessary leadership for times such as these.

This is crass nonsense. Great leaders are infrequent, which is a shame. Often only tragedies or wars generate such superior qualities. Rudolph Giuliani has been an excellent first citizen during this crisis but compare him with George W Bush. The US president has been criticised rightly for his late arrival in New York and dubious understanding of what or who he is actually dealing with. This man is the executive president of the most powerful nation on earth.

The evidence points to good government being consensual where possible. People need to be involved at all stages and powerful mayors or presidents usually fail to do this. The Yes campaign should be ashamed of itself.

-Coun Rik Child, Green Party, St Peter's ward