Letter: The monarchy after Diana

Sir: Your correspondent (letter, 9 September) who fears that by becoming a republic we would condemn ourselves to a presidency held by a perpetual succession of superannuated politicians - at the moment presumably a choice between Heath, Kinnock, Thatcher and Major - is an optimist.

The alternative nightmare scenario looks not to the European model but to the American, where the essentials for election to the presidency appear to be ruthless ambition, access to vast wealth, reckless promises of patronage and preferment, effective control of a big slice of the media, and a plausible TV manner.

We don't know when we are well off.

GORDON MEDCALF

Whitchurch, Hampshire