IN last week's Budget, Alistair Darling spent a long time basically talking about nothing and engaging in monetary fantasies about how he will fix the terrible mess we find ourselves in – thanks to his Government.

Then, that night on the national news, we saw what happened when the Conservatives had a chance to answer back. Labour ministers all sat there with stupid grins on their faces, as if the mess they have created is nothing to do with them, and is some kind of joke – it's like naughty schoolchildren.

When David Cameron started hitting back and pointing out a few facts to these excuses for politicians, they became angry and didn't like hearing the truth.

Well that's tough – the rest of us out here in the real world, where we don't get allowances and cosy little consultancy fees, now face years of grind, trying to pay all the excessive taxes that will now be heaped on top of what we already have to pay.

But the thing I find unbelievable is that some people seem to have such a blinkered view that they genuinely want another five years of Labour. I wish they would explain why, because I can't think of one good reason!

What Gordon Brown hasn't stopped to think about is that they now have the country in a complete mess and thought the Conservatives would have to clean it up – but there is a possibility they may win the next election, if only by a tiny margin, and if that happens this "don't care" attitude will have to stop, because it will be they who have to put things right, and I don't think they know how to.

O W Rogers

Bodmin

Pensions policy

ALL parties are saying the country has to cut its public sector spending, and over the last two years the Conservatives have said they will be cancelling the final salary pension and moving to a cheaper option.

However, as the election nears, they are no longer mentioning this part of their policy. Is this because it is no longer part of that policy or do they not wish to scare off the many voters who work in the public sector?

Whenever public sector pay is mentioned the Press always concentrates on those managers who earn large amounts and consequently have a large pension when they retire.

But many public sector workers work for less than the average salary (£25,000 a year) and have no option but to pay the full rate of tax and National Insurance. Those nearing retirement age, having served the public for a relatively low income, can look forward to a relatively modest pension.

If the Conservatives (or any of the other major parties) are considering any changes to public sector pensions, they should let us know before the election, so that those affected can make a decision as to who they might wish to vote for.

Nigel May

Saltash

Winning formula

WITH election fever mounting and the usual suspects primping and preening their electoral feathers, may I suggest a "guaranteed" agenda for a party to win the next election? Stand on only three issues!

1. Withdraw ALL British troops immediately from Afghanistan (we will never win it).

2. Provide a full and free national vote on hunting with dogs against any wildlife.

3. Withdraw Britain at the earliest opportunity from European Union (it's a loser).

If any party requires additional pro-voting ammunition, the following might prove beneficial:

1. Severely tighten up immigration conditions, regardless of colour or creed.

2. "Cap" all parliamentary salaries in line with national average earnings.

3. Increase old age pensions in line with national average earnings.

4. Reinvest in national defence systems, particularly the Royal Navy, and support RFAs.

5. Adopt a proportional representation voting system.

Bob Gelder

Pyworthy, Holsworthy

Unions do their duty

TOM Jones' letter of March 25 seems to hint that there is something wrong in trade unions giving money to the Labour Party, and that they are buying undue influence.

Those trade unions affiliated to the Labour Party, like Unite, are a part of the Labour Party. So when unions make payments to the party it is simply one part of the party doing its duty and helping out another.

The Labour Party was set up as the political wing of the trade union movement. Ministers need to remember this.

Sadly, trade unions do not get value for money. After 13 years in power Labour has still not repealed Tory anti-union legislation; it's about time it did.

Gerrard Sables

Secretary, North Devon Branch Communist Party

Mismanaged money

I READ with alarm – but not surprise, mind you – that Torbay Council has mismanaged our money once again and frittered away a massive £2 million on consultants' fees to reorganise our rubbish collection and similar functions (March 22).

Has Mayor Bye been busy again?

Norma Widger

Brixham