BERNIE WALSH made a spirited defence of Ed Miliband (HAS, Nov 4) and blamed his poor public perception on media attempts to take advantage of his clumsiness.

I would argue that the public are much more discerning than to rely on media froth to make up their minds on an individual’s suitability to take on the role of Prime Minister.

Mr Miliband is no doubt a nice guy but an ineffective leader.

He has not provided a clear vision of how Labour will address the long term economic problems the country faces.

He is a poor communicator, apparently incapable of engaging not only with the public but his parliamentary colleagues .

In times of austerity Labour has had a golden opportunity in opposition to stake its claim for government. The most recent public opinion poll projected a Labour vote of just 29 per cent of the electorate (its lowest figure in opposition and on a downward trend) and Mr Miliband's personal ratin is even lower than Nick Clegg and behind David Cameron.

The truth is that Labour have saddled themselves courtesy of the trade union block vote with a lame duck and have a mountain to climb with Ed Miliband in charge.

John Crick, Bishop Auckland.