Letter: Weep for democracy

Sir: Steve Richards' column (Comment, 22 November) discussing the merits of control-freakery in the transition to devolution exemplifies the ingrained distaste of the ruling classes of Britain for democracy.

Mr Richards' conclusion that caution is appropriate in the early stages of devolution because the voters may make mistakes and elect unsuitable candidates sounds like something Jiang Zemin would say when foreign leaders come and badger him about opening up the political system in China. Sure, we'd like a bit more democracy, but, damn it, the voters just aren't quite ready for that type of responsibility. But maybe some day....

As a voter, I'd rather make my own mistakes than have the Government or a political party make them for me.

PHIL AARONSON

Epsom, Surrey