COUNCILLOR Walter Hall claims that Labour is on the ropes because education is failing, the NHS is not producing the goods, problems with asylum seekers and rising crime.

What a pathetic statement!

At least these problems, which are legacies of his previous Government, are being addressed.

But 18 years of mismanagement cannot be rectified overnight.

What was the purpose of your letter, Councillor Hall?

Was it an attempt to deflect readers' minds from the huge successes enjoyed under New Labour?

Do these successes hurt you and your association members so much that you cannot accept that the economy is strong and stable, with no boom and bust on the horizon?

Low interest rates, controlled inflation, record inward investment, lowest unemployment figures for 20 years?

Vast sums of money available for health, education and crime prevention, and increased benefit payments including the £150 for each pensioner household?

The list is never ending. As for Europe, whether we join or not will be determined by a referendum and I would remind you that your party has a problem on this issue, being utterly divided.

Mr Portillo may even change his mind on this matter, having already done so on the minimum wage, the tax guarantee, and the control of interest rates by the Bank of England.

Maybe he will even change his mind about wanting the leadership of your party?

J Holding

Victoria Court

Stocks Park Drive

Horwich