Letter: Briefly

YOUR profile of Michael Portillo ('Cutback kid grits his teeth', 23 May) explained all. Smart lads among the working class ultimately divide into two sorts. One group retains its empathy for ordinary people who cannot escape their situation. Then there are the Portillos who thank no one for their brainpower and ability but are thankful that they are not like other men. They believe that everyone could escape drudgery if only they tried. It must therefore be indolence that keeps them in the mire. Serve them right. Better still - kick them for it.

D Driver, Portsmouth