ARTHUR Conley (Postbag, Oct 11) poses the question "What do they have in common?", referring to politicians and sleaze.

In response, I will name a few politicians who have had a profoundly positive effect on the country: Sir Robert Peel, police; David Lloyd George, pensions; Winston Churchill, World War One leader; Aneurin Bevan, NHS; Edward Heath, EU membership; Barbara Castle, seat belt law; Gordon Brown, the New Deal.

The 1945 Social Security Act, the 1950 Clean Air Act, and the 1976 Race Relations Act have all been debated and passed by elected politicians, on our behalf.

Politicians are there to carry out the policies of elected government. To name a few who create adverse public comment does not nullify a system which has served this country well for many generations.

J. HOLDEN