SO Margaret Rowley, Prospective MP for the Liberal Democrats, believes that Labour is a tired old party?

I suggest she look no further than her own party for that. Other European countries realised by the early 20th century that such liberalism doesn't work - a bit of socialism here and a bit of conservatism there, a party that tries to appeal to both sides of the political spectrum. Their division is natural - a party split from top to bottom.

They are desperate for votes, willing to jump on any old bandwagon - even better than the Tories at cheap political opportunism.

They opposed the so-called illegal war, while Tony Blair stood firm for his beliefs. They oppose the so-called unfair council tax, offering a "per-person" tax rather than a "per-property" tax (sounds familiar?) - and they oppose the so-called false choice in public services largely, as far as I can see, because they can offer no choices of their own.

Margaret Rowley says the people want a real alternative to Labour. Do Ms Rowley and Mary Dhonau honestly believe that a party that opposes so much and offers so little will be the real alternative at this General Election?

DAVID INSULL,

Worcester.