OH how disappointed I was with Rob Merrick’s New Year challenges to watch more football and rugby (Echo, Jan 13).

Surely Rob your spare time would be better spent cultivating a wider vision on politics rather than looking at Labour’s 13 years in charge through rose tinted specs all the time, while continuously decrying the Coalition’s short time in charge?

I do agree with your views on Europe and bankers’ bonuses but it may be that the Government’s hands are somewhat tied as a result of the ground rules that were already set out.

Come on Rob just give us one column suggesting half a dozen “positive” ideas to pass on to Dave and Nick.

David Waring, Brompton.