MPS taking on well-paid outside jobs as a side-line debunks the claim that our politicians are overstretched.

The truth is that they are a pampered nest-feathering lot and very likely to be much better off than the people they are supposed to represent in Parliament.

Nor do they need to worry about getting old and having to live on the meagre old age pension which is what the common herd face.

A substantial lump sum and a generous pension for MPs should dispel that fear. We need to reduce the number of MPs and those representing safe constituencies must not be allowed to regard it as a job for life. Most of us are fortunate to have one job.

Norman Wall, Wallsend.