AT THIS particular time, everyone in this country is having to tighten their belts due the economic situation.

People are being put out of work, are losing their properties, are so short of cash they can’t afford to feed themselves and their families properly, and many old people risk dying from lack of heat and food.

We are seeing cutbacks, and our leaders are telling us we all have to pull together to overcome this current crisis.

Many of these leaders appear to be respectable and full of honour, but seem to be so devious behind the scenes. The amount of money some of them have claimed is an absolute disgrace.

They should hang their heads in shame. They have reached an all-time low in terms of public respect.

The parties bicker and name-call, but this is just a cover for some MPs while they claw as much plunder as they possibly can.

This is wealth that could be spent on healing those who are suffering and who really do need the money at this time.

Some MPs come across as vile types who are not to be trusted.

They should remember, though, that they cannot fool the public. They have been found out for what they really are – greedy. And they will find that the outcome will be shown at the polling booths.

I would like to be able to cast a vote for nobody, and get a new system in place which works for the whole community.

There are too many people on the gravy train. I think that only those who are elected for government should be allowed to claim any money at all.

The losing parties should fend for themselves until they prove they are good enough to take control of a government, elected by the people.

This should apply not only to MPs but to local councillors.

BILL GOODWIN, Pebble Hill, Radley