FOLLOWING the Prime Minister’s undiplomatic description of UKIP as loonies and fruitcakes, there have been other critical articles.

Nowadays many politicians in the three old parties go from prep school to public school then on to Oxbridge whence they emerge with a bloated opinion of their capacity to govern this country and a lightweight PPE degree.

In contrast, the average UKIP prospective parliamentary candidate has spent some life outside academia.

Most have had business or professional careers and shouldered responsibility.

Experience has given them an understanding of the problems of the man in the street and above all, respect for his opinion.

Ian Oglesby, High Catton Road, Stamford Bridge, York.