Sue Cairney replies

In reply to the letters in last week's Salient on the matter; not only was I present to hear Mr Tizard speak but I was there on time (which is more than he was.)

At no point in his speech did Mr Tizard state categorically that he (or his party) supported an increase in the STB.

Tizard only commented on regional development after questioning by a member of the audience and what he said was both vague and inconclusive.

As for lowering taxation for lower-income workers, deeds speak louder than words. Could Tizard not have done more than stress the advantages of regional development and income-related tax relief — a straightforward statement on Labour's economic policy perhaps?

I did not hear any New Labour policy spelt out by Mr Tizard. Only old (Very old ) policy — policy that lost Labour the last election; surely it's time for a change?

As one of the many people interested in seeing our present government voted out as soon as possible I was disappointed in Mr Tizard's showing, he could have done a lot better. Possibly being in the house for so long with Muldoon is having influence on Mr Tizard's speaking method but there is still No excuse for personal insult politics, not even to hecklers that seem irritating. There are more subtle methods of dealing with such situations. Tizard does not appear to realise this or to be prepared to find out.)