I ENTIRELY agree with John Heslop’s perceptive analysis of the problem which many leading politicians have about speaking the truth (HAS, Dec 23).

Of course – however cynical it might sound when put bluntly – no one expects politicians to tell the truth all the time: the unwritten rules of their profession prevent them from doing so.

The trouble with the politicians whom Mr Heslop has in mind is that their statements are so persistently and outrageously devoid of truth-content that you have to wonder whether the individuals concerned have any contact with reality at all (for a start – obviously – no one now is in any doubt about the nature of the rhetoric used to justify the Iraq war, and that it contained not one reputable fact).

Politics is an ancient profession and its practitioners have actually included some honourable men. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons – mendacity being obviously one of them – the present lot have brought the profession into gross disrepute and it will be some time before it regains public respect and confidence.

Tony Kelly, Crook, Co Durham.