Letter: Three parties in a new world

Sir: This election marks a decisive rejection of hard-right ideology. This is shown not only in the disastrous performance of the Conservative Party but also in a very poor showing of the anti-European, anti-abortion and anti-black candidates.

Tony Blair has brilliantly articulated this anti-Conservative mood and I congratulate him. He has yet to articulate his vision of what he is for. In this task, the presence of the strongest third party force since 1929 can play a vital part. These MPs are an extremely able group of people elected on a clear philosophy and clear policies. They will have a vital part to play in the next parliament. What sort of part that will be may have something to do with what Blair does next.

Earl RUSSELL

Liberal Democrat Social Security Spokesman

House of Lords

London SW1