CAN Dr David Simones Jones please stop spouting his nonsense in this paper with regard to our very hard-working MP Julie Kirkbride?

I have contacted Ms Kirkbride on more than one occasion in recent times and for a variety of reasons. It probably does not surprise readers that like Mr Tuffey, I received a quick, efficient and very warm response. This is not bad for someone whom I may remind you, has a young son to look after as well her job as an MP!

The first time I contacted her was regarding hospital treatment I was receiving for back trouble I have encountered over the past two or three years. I have also contacted her regarding the Government's policies towards higher education which continually annoy me. She kept me informed of matters regarding my hospital treatment and has also been sympathetic towards my plight as a student. When I expressed my anger towards her at the Government's higher education policies too, she immediately forwarded my correspondence to the Education Minister at the time, Bill Rammell.

As with anything this Government says or does, his response was wholly inadequate, but I felt satisfaction that my grievances had been noted by my MP and forwarded to the minister responsible for such a sham of a policy.

I have since then had the pleasure of meeting Ms Kirkbride. As Mr Tuffey correctly indicated last week, she is a lovely lady and one whom I am proud to have representing me in Parliament.

It is time we recognised all of the good work she does for this area and for her constituents rather than slamming her out of simple jealously and childish bitterness.

Mike O'Rourke

Rubery

l Mr O'Rourke's letter backs up the consensus of opinion judging from the correspondence received on this subject - that is Bromsgrove MP, Julie Kirkbride, works hard on behalf of her constituency. From my own personal point of view and contacts with Ms Kirkbride, I would also confirm this and there, I think, we will call an end to correspondence on this matter. EDITOR