SIR – MPs pay rise. How are the electorate to make rational comment on the irrational? It is well nigh impossible to phrase a letter using all of the words which adequately describe this proposal. We could however try putting a few of the most apposite i

SIR - MPs' pay rise.

How are the electorate to make rational comment on the irrational? It is well nigh impossible to phrase a letter using all of the words which adequately describe this proposal. We could however try putting a few of the most apposite in pairs! reality/ check...cynical/insensitive...greedy/carpetbaggers....pigs/trough....etc.

Nonetheless, these shining ones are the ones who served us so well with the recent Pensions Review, so is any increase is justified?

The award should be within the low single digit bracket which applies to ordinary mortals, and as it is the season of goodwill, it should be paid at the same time as the restoration of the earnings link increase to our OAP's which I believe is some time around the year 2011. After all, we are said to live in an equal opportunity democracy and fair is fair!

NAME AND ADDRESS

SUPPLIED

SIR - Last year pensioners had a £2.20 rise while MPs gave themselves £22.72 a week on their salary.

On pensions they voted for an increase of the public contribution, which was 24%, up to 28% - they contribute 9.3% of their wages.

Therefore, as pensioners after 25 years as an MP, they will get £725 a week in comparison to ordinary pensioners getting £84.25 a week.

If they cannot afford to pay pensioners a decent pension, how can they afford to increase their salaries? MPs, get your priorities right.

BILL MAYNARD

Stevenage