RICHARD Taylor, our prospective MP, is being linked with Richard the Lionheart.

Is this an ill omen?

As far as the myths of Robin Hood are concerned, Richard I may have been a hero, but as King of England he was weak and irresponsible. He neglected his constituents and fought futile wars in far-off places.

Many of us know and love Richard Taylor but, in comparison with Steve Booth's excellent overview in last week's Shuttle, his "doctor's orders" ring as hollow as this worn-out clich.

Richard should reconsider what is to be gained by isolating himself in the caverns of Westm-inster, as symbolic, but as irrelevant, as Martin Bell.

He should also drop the "Lionheart" image and, if he wants to be identified with the illustrious history of our monarchs, he should learn from the blundering, misguided opportunism of Richard II and Richard III, both of whom were violently upstaged and achieved nothing but untimely and painful deaths.

GEOFF BOYLE

Blakebrook Kidderminster