ANYONE who has met Rachael Maskell will recognise that this unassuming woman is far more than a union official (Public deserves more than a union official, February 21).

Labour’s short-listed candidates were all impressive for their commitment to ordinary people, struggling families, and to vulnerable members of society, but Rachael displayed a depth and breadth of vision which was truly inspiring.

Reminding us that whatever is worthwhile among Green Party policies and among Lib Dem policies are already Labour policies, Rachael made it clear that domination and confrontation are not her style. Her incisive mind made the most of the questions directed at the candidates.

Asked about a ‘top job’ for herself, she instead called for Great Britain to take a world lead in peace-making and humanitarian progress in complex situations, for instance in Syria.

Anyone who remembers the mid-1990s will remember that the 1997 Labour government rescued not only the NHS and our underfunded schools, but even the police and the armed forces.

Now, Great Britain is carrying out a leading role in the fight against Ebola, but both the NHS and our armed forces are struggling for resources.

We need to vote for the party willing to face the challenges of the 21st century, re-building our caring society at home, and idealistic and realistic in its policies abroad. Rachael Maskell has the vision, experience, good humour and courage to represent us.

F. Mary Simpson, York.