SIR: Mrs McAllion's attack on Ruth Kelly was pathetic. Unable to accept the fact that her party suffered its most humiliating defeat on May 1, she now starts to question Ruth's ability as a parent.

Ruth was a shining example to everyone during the campaign. Despite working horrendously long hours her primary concern was always the health and safety of her child.

Now after giving birth, Ruth is fighting to make the House of Commons a much more welcoming place for women. It is sad that despite the fact that women make up half of the population, there are still people around who think they should not combine a career with having a family.

I would suggest that Mrs McAllion keeps her opinions to herself next time and accepts defeat graciously. If nothing else, her comments just show how out of touch the Conservative Party is with the British people.

Mrs P Ferguson, Dentdale Close

Beaumont Rd, Bolton

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