WITH reference to the TV debate by party leaders. This could be described as a bonfire of vanities.

The primary object was to focus on financial issues, allegations of mismanagement, failures of the economy and promises broken with the NHS and other welfare issues, the primary targets.

However, the following subjects were ignored, for example, cuts to our first line of defence, the armed forces, police and other important frontline services.

We will have to rely on a Dad’s Army neighbourhood watch to protect our shores.

With a rising crime rate, terrorist threats, prospects of a break up of the United Kingdom, will only give succour to any enemies who wish to destabilise our way of life to meet their own ends.

This country needs a stable society to sustain growth in jobs and prosperity.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.