THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have been listening keenly to the current debates in the media between a number of political contenders, and I must say that with the exception of a few, I'm not impressed with the manner in which some of the current politicians 'put down' and/or try to demoralise their opponents. Their antagonistic behaviour, which in my mind trickles down to the people in their constituencies, has no doubt led to the deviation of moral values and attitudes in this country.

I was very disappointed recently with the outrageous behaviour of a seasoned politician who, on a morning programme, behaved in a manner as if he had just had a few rounds of the strong brew in a rum bar.

It was very refreshing, however, to listen to the two candidates vying for the constituency of Central Manchester on a programme aired on June 13. They were both civil with each other and displayed a level of maturity which I have not seen for a very long time among opponents on either side of the fence. I wish them well and would advise others to take a leaf out of their book.

I am, etc.,

VLC

Kingston 6

vcluin@hotmail.com