I WISH I could have a quiet word with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, about child poverty.

He became known as the quiet man who should not be under-estimated.

First and foremost, child poverty does exist and it blights the lives of youngsters. Anyone who cared for others would not be contemplating measures to make it worse than it is already.

Secondly, the use of statistics and their interpretation is often a cynical ploy and only when politics is regarded as a game can wanting to put egg on the faces of opponents be something worth pursuing.

I know that my choice of party to vote for in May could be thought by some to be misguided, but I am certain I voted correctly in seeking to prevent another term of Conservative government.

G Bulmer, Billingham.