THE longer I live, the more I believe that British people are, to quote that First World War saying: Lions led by donkeys.

The earthquake appeal just shows how Joe and Jill Public get their hands in their pockets and dig deep because they really feel for what is going on.

And what about politicians? What have they done without being prodded?

Our so called glorious leader, on holiday in sunny Egypt, makes a decision not to come home because he says he can quite easily cope with the tragedy at the end of a phone.

What about perception then, dear Tony?

You did so well to get elected with New Labour some eight years ago, mind you against an opposition which was rotten to the core, so didn't you think we would expect more?

For too long we have wanted leaders who were prepared to lead from the front not from a sun lounger.

For too long we've had motorways that have been too small since the day they were built; a health service which has been underfunded from almost the beginning and schools which have been rotting away for years and nothing has been done about it.

Politicians are worth little and still they wonder why people have lost interest in voting.

Faith in the human race comes from those who donated to the appeal not those who follow the van for personal self aggrandisement.

Richard Robinson,

Stratton