A FRIEND of mine, Mr John Falconer, stopped me today and asked if I had fallen out with the editor of his favourite paper, the Oxford Mail, as I had not had a letter published recently. I pointed out to him there was no problem.

The editor is very understanding and generously allows me to airs my views in the Mail from time to time but having just travelled to foreign climes I had not been about to see things to air my views upon.

It’s probably true that the Oxford Mail does not have much of a following in Edinburgh, which is their loss but just in case, might I just make an observation on the fuss about Muirfield’s alleged dislike of women on their beautiful course, or as members of their club.

Now I have every respect for women. However, I must point out that Muirfield does not stop women playing on the course. In fact, as long as they can hit the ball and dress properly they appear to be welcome So they can’t be members? It’s men only in that aspect.

From what I read in other newspapers, most women have no problem with it but the leader of our country, his right hand man and even the leader of the opposition have waded in with adverse comments.

The leader of the SNP Alex Salmond did not even attend to show his support for an event which brought lots of tourist money into his country, just so he could demonstrate to the ladies that he supported them.

I doubt if any of we chaps would make a fuss if women wanted to have a club where it was women-only membership and similarly I never saw any suffragettes demonstrating during the Open.

Those of you who have husbands and sons know deep down who really is in charge and your dignified silence does credit to you.

So politicians and other stirrers leave well alone and get on with sorting out the national debt and other more pressing matters.

If The Rt Hon member for Aberdeen East should also show more regard for his visitors from abroad and stop posturing on storms in teacups and concentrate on things that really do involve him.

I do hope he is a reader of the Oxford Mail and Mr Editor would you just mention Mr Falconer just to show that you and I are still corresponding.

CHRIS PAYNE, Turnpike Road, Bicester