LETTERS Unifying influence
Sir: Talk of a Scottish republic (Not so bonny Prince Charlie', 24 October) suggests wider questions. The Tory as defined by Dr Johnson was `one who adhered to the ancient constitution of the state, and the apostolic hierarchy of the Church of Eng- land', whereas Whig was 'the name of a fac- tion'. Since Margaret Thatcher, the Tories have been part of international capitalism. The `ancient constitution' was a mixed con- stitution with elements of democracy and elements of monarchical government. The idea that evidence of popular sup- port is any proof of good government will not be credited by anyone who lived in the Germany of Adolf Hitler: the Nazis cer- tainly did not lack that. There is, however, everything to be said for a monarchy exer- cising its unifying and non-partisan influ- ence at critical moments of the democratic process. The idea that the Queen should be merely a media figure, like Diana, Princess of Wales, points to ruin. Those who care Only to please the media will perish by the media.
A real Tory party would be considering how to strengthen the monarchy.
C.H. Sisson
Moorfield Cottage, The Hill, Langport, Somerset
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