Letter: The reason we mourn

Sir: While John Smith was doubtlessly a remarkable parliamentarian and leader of the Opposition, do you not think it is fairly rash to have a headline that reads 'The man who would have led Britain' (13 May)?

The current government is only halfway between general elections and, as appears to have become its habit, is trailing Labour by 20 per cent in the opinion polls. As recent political history has shown, this does not mean that the Government is doomed to failure. If, as the saying goes, one week is a long time in politics, then who knows or would be foolish enough to project what will occur during the next two years.

Yours faithfully,

CHARLES WHELAN

Hamble,

Hampshire

13 May