Politicians tread a delicate path

Dear Sir,

I presume KA Akehurst in last week's Chronicle, when talking about false promises made by politicians, is referring to Nick Clegg's promise not to increase tuition fees during the 2010 general election campaign.

I would be the last to suggest that the Lib Dems are perfect and do in all honesty slant my letters in favour of the party I support.

We, of course, should not have made that promise and were naïve not to realise that it might return to haunt us, though it had been a long time since we had been in power and there is great temptation to sell just that bit more for those extra votes.

It is an interesting idea that increasing VAT goes against the spirit of truthfulness when promising not to increase direct taxes.

It is an indirect tax and how many people understand that distinction and whether it should be allowed is a moot point, something an enhanced electoral commission could look at.

Politicians and their advisors tread a delicate path between selling their ideas to a sceptical public and media and venturing over into unrealistic expectations or misleading words and rightly paying the price if proved wrong.

Yours faithfully,

(DR) PETER HIRST

Chairman,

Congleton Liberal Democrats.