I AM a member of a generation that lived through the Second World War when there was much hardship and danger, but also a great comradeship, not only in the armed forces but also among the people in general; quite rightly, Winston Churchill called it "Britain's finest hour".

Such resilience and "pull-together" spirit overcame the threat of German occupation and formed the basis of a strength of character which enabled us to solve the huge problems of post-war Britain.

Churchill was our saviour in war-time but Clement Attlee and his government deserve the credit for re-building the devastation caused by the Blitz, and the birth of the National Health Service -- at the time, the envy of the world.

In my opinion, Mr Attlee proved to be our best peace-time post-war prime minister, governing via Cabinet and Parliament; that is democratically.

Unfortunately, in the past 50 years there has been a steady decline in the people's trust of politicians, caused by the perceived incompetence and dishonesty of some ministers. From Attlee the best, to Blair the worst. From Old Labour to New Labour, poles apart from each other.

Tony Blair has turned a democratic system into a presidential-style of government, based on non-elected advisers and the belief that Tony knows what is best for us. It has taken us from the Millennium Dome fiasco to the much more serious accusation of "sexing-up" the case for war in Iraq, and persuading MPs to back him in this "illegal" undertaking which has caused thousands of deaths.

He continues to neglect the growing problems of the NHS, education, public transport an postal services to further his personal ambitions to become President of Europe.

There has never been a clearer case of mismanagement -- to put it mildly -- against someone who has always described himself as "a straight sort of guy".

DEREK RYDER

Ainsworth Road

Bury