SO Michael Short's opinion of Jack Straw has "shot up" in the past few weeks, mainly because of how upset he was when visiting Ken Bigley's home.

Well Mr Short is right to bemoan the public's flooding of accident sites etc, with flowers, reportedly to the distress of many of those who live at the point of tragedy. But I have to part company with him over Mr Straw.

As Rory Bremner pointed out on Sunday, we are "led" by barristers, and what are they but mercenaries, to whom you go for an opinion, and who will then act out whatever part they are paid to play.

Who has not squirmed at their revolting attempts to smear and destroy the integrity of witnesses in the absence of genuine proof of evidence, and that is what now fills the so-called heart of democracy.

Messrs Blair and Howard are barristers, as are Straw and Hoon (and how many more?), the first two "debating" the Hutton report with nary a thought for poor Dr Kelly, who was so dishonoured by what was being done to him that he killed himself.

As for Hoon, his performance over Iraq this week has left no doubt as to his ability and place as Blair's joker.

And now Mr Howard wants to have a "face to face" with Blair in the style of the US. To what purpose? More waffle, more lies?

I'm sorry Mr Short, but I think you've been taken in. The words crocodile, tears and spin come immediately to mind when any of our so-called leaders try to pull the heartstrings, and Mr Straw is no exception.

MR J MORTIMER, Edge End Lane, Great Harwood.