THE expression of my seemingly contentious views on our first-past-the-post electoral system has generated two letters, similar in content, but different in tone (Letters, January 11).

I imagine Barry Tempest would like, in the nicest possible way, to consign me to the outer circle of a liberal thinker’s hell for my stance. I feel we must simply agree to differ. In Barry’s terms our democracy is not as pure as he would like it to be, but flawed as it is I count myself lucky to be living under it.

Finally on reading David Smith’s letter, I fear that I may have raised his blood pressure to dangerous levels.

Although I do not share his apocalyptic vision of our electoral system leading to a potential dictatorship or the destruction of our children’s future, like him I do view many politicians with a jaundiced eye.

But for his peace of mind I undertake not to write any further on this subject.

We may hold differing views, but in this country, for the moment at least, we are freely able to express them, even in these pages.

Richard Samways

Albert Terrace

Portland