Of course he should stay. Everyone tacitly accepts that 95 per cent of politicians are self serving hypocrites with a good line in "do as I say". At least JP has provided a modicum of amusement in his political career unlike the majority of the Labour Party's public school educated cookie jar kids. John stands proudly as a role model and a source of inspiration to every working class kid out there that there is still "room at the top" for every self serving ambitious chancer thinking of entering the cess pool that is British politics. Name and address withheld
I live overseas and am continually embarrassed by Prescot's behaviour. As so called Deputy Prime Minister, his inability to construct a coherent sentence, let alone his complete inability to run a government department, is an outrage. The man is a buffoon, an embarrassment to the nation and a disgrace to the political establishment and should be fired. Neil Watts, Kulua Lumpar, Malaysia
John Prescott is as close as Blair is ever likely to get to the working class, so he daren't let him go. Richard Baker, Maidenhead
Peter Mandelson has started to criticise the Deputy Prime Minister, but should not he be getting on with his own job? Why should a European Trade Commissioner even think of intervening in British politics? Chris Gillibrand, Brussels, Belgium
Prescott is just a jumped up ex shop steward and ships steward with all the finesse of one. Would anyone give him a managerial role? I doubt it. So is it any wonder his organisational skills show up in the departments he has been appointed to run!Blair and Brown only want him for his bullyboy ways with the Union Gang. Lately Brown has been doing a lot of this stuff himself. John Buchan, Brisbane, Australia
Mr Prescott has not done anything different to numerous other dignitaries, in various walks of life. His main problem, with some of the media, is the fact that he is a successful Labour politician. Prince Charles wasn`t hounded from office for his indiscreet telephone conversation, but of course he is an establishment figure. John Murray, Plymouth
John Prescott should have left a very long time ago. The fact that he has had such little control over his department is indicative of a man in the position of 'loose cannon'. It is no wonder his views and actions, house building in the south east, for example, cause so many people's blood to boil. For a left winger, he shows all the signs of being a right wing, out of control dictator. How careless to be spotted playing croquet. Tim Brown, Maidstone
I'm becoming increasingly suspicious about Prescott's continuing presence in such a powerful position while showing evidence of few qualifications. What has he got on Tony Blair? What other reason can there be for his enduring support? Penny Hippey, Livingstone
John Prescott is likely to hang on despite the latest hullabaloo as Tony Blair fears an election for the deputy leadership. They are a far more accurate barometer of party feeling than leadership contests especially when conducted separately from the main event. All sections of the Labour Party prefers an delectable leader, when Blair goes it will be case of falling in behind Gordon. The deputy leadership is different, it may be a token position but the electoral battle is for the mythical heart and soul of the Labour Party. New Labour can trace its roots back to the Hattersley victory over Benn in 1981. Neither Blair nor Brown will wish to give the dissident antiwar elements in his party an opportunity to raise their voices. Mark Harms, Tyne and Wear
Sex while at work, in the workplace, with an employee, both in public office, during working hours. Does this question really need a debate? Robert Gordon, Cadiz, Spain
I want the DPM to stay. He's such a tonic (it's that's sunny, smiling face) and he always gives me a laugh. A very expensive laugh but as the ad says "priceless". Must dash before the medication wears off... David Leaver, Manchester
It saddens me that the Prime Minister is so weak when it comes to simple moral issues. I had been led to believe that he was "a very religious man". Prescott is one in a long line of ministers who have abused their office for selfish gain and when found out, carry on regardless, all thanks to the Prime Minister. It is obvious that the Prime Minister needs his band of "bully boys" to keep the rest of his party in check. That is why he is loath to sack one when they are caught out. So, of course Prescott should go, but Tony needs him so the answer will be no. Mark Waddell, Hayes
Somehow, John Prescott has enjoyed a long and very successful political career, despite an apparent inability to construct an articulate sentence. He has survived allegations of incompetence, his department had long enjoyed a reputation for inefficiency and non achievement. He has overcome accusations of bullying and arrogance, sidestepped the “two jags” fiasco, recovered from a televised street brawl, and now been exposed as a sleazy hypocrite following his affair with his secretary, Tracey Temple. But can he survive the scandal of being a working class northerner caught playing croquet? I wait with baited breath. Possibly. Charles Bryer, Bristol
The fact that he has not resigned demonstrates the contempt that most politicians have for the electorate. If they break the law then by what moral authority do they define the bounds of lawful behaviour for the rest of us? Peter Donson, Southwell
