ANY public opinion poll ranking occupational groups in order of merit would place teachers very highly and politicians near the bottom.

This is no accident, it arises from families everywhere who see teachers devoted to their children’s welfare who work tirelessly for modest reward.

It is totally incongruous that Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude should pass judgement on the teachers’ strike plans.

Mr Maude claimed £35,000 in two years for mortgage payments on a London flat 70 paces away from a house he owns outright.

He also has a house in the country and in France.

He is listed as having claimed, amongst other things, £3.50 for the expense of renting a DVD.

It is a tribute to the good manners of this country that Maude is not greeted with prolonged and contemptuous derision every time he has the poor taste to open his mouth in criticism of teachers.

Rob Meggs, Hartlepool.