Have I judged wrongly or does this appear to be the most 'dirty tricks' pre-election slag-off by all parties that has ever been in the last 50 years - its like children in a playground. Each new revelation hotly denied by another party, its now become farcical with the 'Ed-stone' - still saves buying a new one after the demise.

It appears Labour have very short memories regarding the NHS. Whilst in government they divided the NHS up into four primary care groups in each county, as opposed to a Health Authority. with each group having a

Chief Executive and a Medical Director. Towards the end of their time in government realising the enormous cost of 4 chief executives and 4 medical directors (the later earning more than the chief executives), suddenly two counties were amalgamated. Somerset and Dorset were joined together requiring only 1 Chief Excecutive and 1 Medical Director, therefore 7 Chief Executives and 7 Medical Directors became redundant - what a pay-off. Additionally GPs pay was raised during that time with an Out-of-Hours Service being put in place reducing their enormous work loads. Then suddenly more amalgamation a South West Region Health Authority - more pay-offs!!

Plus wars none of us wanted, little wonder when the Conservatives won the last election the note left at the Treasury read 'No money left'. Consequently no matter what they have done during their term in office they were 'damned if they did and damned if they didn't' trying to sort out an incredible mess.

This coming Thursday is apparently in the lap of the gods - I only hope its the right lap.

F Levett

Nottington