Sir, Readers of all political persuasions must truly wonder why an entrepreneur with such a colourful past (reports and leading article, October 27) would decide to draw attention to himself in the first place by making the single largest political donation to the Liberal Democrats to date.

First, I genuinely believe in Charles Kennedy’s ability as a future Prime Minister, but not the muppets who purport to serve him. The only purpose of the donation was to help to invest in the infrastructure of the party in the run-up to the general election and to create a more level playing field with the other main political parties. It has always been my intention to help, but the way in which the Liberal Democrats have conducted themselves, including their dealings with the Electoral Commission, has caused others to question my intention.

Secondly, to my real surprise, I stand accused of not having paid a sum of $7,000 to creditors in the United States and breaching probation. I am today instructing a leading US law firm to review the papers and court documents unearthed by The Times, so as to resolve satisfactorily any outstanding matters. I will always remember with great affection my childhood in the United States and the troubled years of my youth.

Thirdly, there are many young entrepreneurs who find themselves facing difficult times in their business life. Should they need any encouragement that success is within their grasp, they really need to look no further. Though I may not be the most salubrious of case studies, there is only one way to succeed and that is through determination, hard work and the support of a good wife. The current Government has tried to reduce the stigma of not succeeding, trying again and never giving up until you have made it. I hope that people in this country will one day celebrate those who work hard to achieve success.

I am reminded of a famous quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

I like to believe that my late father, whose memory I am honouring with a charitable foundation, would be just a little proud if he read about me in your newspaper.

MICHAEL BROWN
London W1

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