THE difference between myself and my critics (HAS, Oct 21) is that they object to me writing letters to the Editor, while I welcome their contributions.

But John Merry and Phil Graham are simply wrong: I have written to HAS regularly over the past 40 years, and not just at election time. I do think it is important for candidates to make their views known and be open to challenges from the public.

VJ Connor wants to “do away with all this endless electioneering” by having annual General Elections: surely a contradiction?

VJ then proposes that all political parties should be banned. Even in North Korea and China there is one official party.

However, I am conscious that I have had more than my fair share of letters in HAS recently, and so I propose to please my detractors by remaining silent for the time being, thus leaving more room for others (including my critics) to have their views published.

Chris Foote-Wood, Prospective Parliamentary LibDem candidate for Richmond.