Sir, Your “political manifesto” is timely, apposite and reflective (leading article, May 22). The shenanigans of our MPs have brought shame and disgrace to the core of the British political system. Some of the arguments put forward by the venal and greedy MPs as having acted within the law have been ludicrous.

You rightly state that there is a widespread disparity in the quality of our parliamentarians. It is pathetic to watch oratorically and syntactically compromised MPs unable to put forward a simple question at PMQs. Even the eloquent MPs often disarticulate any logic, evade facts and proclaim bland statements of assertion or negation, resulting in slanging matches. A US-style primary seems to be the answer to the selection process of prospective parliamentary candidature.

Politics, as you state, should be transparent. Political spin, an endemic ailment of the past decade, should be put to an end. An independent body should regulate the conduct of MPs. There should be an elected House of Lords. Proportional representation seems ideal in theory, but is ineffectual.

The late Sir Bernard Crick said that politics was about conciliation, compromise and debate. He also opined that unrestrained democracy was a euphemism for mob rule or a camouflage for the tyranny of the majority (Obituary, Dec 22, 2008). Sir Bernard’s views should be critically examined in the context of the parlous state of our parliamentary affairs.

Sam Banik

London N10

Sir, How refreshing and motivating I found your leading article. It is unimaginable that our current crop of politicians could design a manifesto, so clearly and concisely. Bravo. We should demand a root and branch examination of our governmental system and its apparatus. It is time to drag the political elite into the present day and for them to understand what they are put there to achieve.

Toby Denne

Oxford

Sir, Your manifesto is brilliant but adrift on one point. Get rid of the whips and we may get MPs of integrity who can think for themselves.

Rusty Atkins

Sonning, Berks

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