RAY MALLON’S column (Echo, Nov 18) about people in public life not always being at their best when questioned by the media, reminded me of an occasion from the early Eighties.

It was widely understood that Labour’s brief, unhappy period under the leadership of Michael Food, did not find favour in America.

But when a candidate for the vice-presidency was asked by reporters: “What’s happening with the British Labour Party?”

he feebly replied: “It would have to be a guess.” It was a clear case of someone not performing well enough while under the spotlight.

LD Wilson, Guisborough.