IT is quite apparent that "Frustrated First-time Voter" (Your Letters, Feb 23) is merely trying to seek excuses not to go out and vote.

Cheap jibes at local councillors only emphasises this. It is immature and arrogant to presume that these men know nothing about the needs of young people. Has "Frustrated First-time Voter" ever met the "middle-aged men" mentioned?

Instead of criticising the people who spend their time working for local people, why doesn't he/she do something about it and get involved in local politics? Many of the present councillors did exactly that, joining at a young age. For example, Ivan Lewis, who was elected MP four years ago at the age of 30, was only 23 when he was elected a councillor.

Surely the fact that these men are prepared to enhance their skills in their own time is a positive thing. Does "Frustrated First-time Voter" not realise that anyone over the age of 18 can stand in an election?

LINDSEY CAMPBELL (20),

(daughter of one of

the "men in grey").