5 SEPTEMBER 1998, Page 25

Fair Helen

Sir: I've never met the lady, but your refer- ence (Leader, 29 August) to 'the unlovely Labour MP Helen Brinton' was ungallant, unkind and unworthy; untrue, too, from her photos. We once had a tradition that you didn't kick a man when he was down, let alone a woman. What a pity horsewhipping has also gone out of fashion.

Derek Savory

18 Blenheim Close, Rushden, Northamptonshire

The editor writes: I agree. The 'unlovely' was our view of Ms Brinton's views and not her appearance.