Victor Hill

Thursday 29 January 1998

Letter: `Boring' politics

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Sir: How depressing to read your leading article "The broadcasters say politicians on television are boring: They're quite right" (28 January).

"Boring" is a word my 11-year-old uses about any subject outside his immediate range of interest. I normally respond by telling him that as he grows older and understands more, then the world around him will appear increasingly interesting and relevant.

You comment: "People want to be inspired, provoked and, yes, entertained by their representatives." Herein lies the slippery slope to political manipulation, venality and the sound-bite. The job of our politicians is to debate and resolve issues of national importance and to legislate on them; entertainment is the remit of Match of the Day and The Fast Show.

VICTOR HILL

Chapel-en-le-Frith

Derbyshire

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