31 AUGUST 1996, Page 21

A plea for humility

Sir: Your leader of 24 August somewhat yobbishly ridicules 'niceness' in politics, suggesting, presumably, that the virtues of fair play, courtesy, humility, circumspection are to be avoided. Instead, you would encourage politicians to continue with their boring, adolescent braggadocio endeavours to maintain that they have all the solutions and that their opponents are fools.

How delightful it would be to hear a Politico of any political persuasion, race, religion or national origin to respond to an opposing viewpoint by saying, 'Thank you, that's a very interesting idea that never occurred to me. Let .me think about it before responding.'

Max Prola

The Croft, Ditchfield Lane, High Legh, Knutsford, Cheshire