I AGREE completely with your recent correspondent, who thinks that truthfulness and kindness are the secret to living a decent life.

I would add to that loyalty, a virtue which seems to be sadly missing among our current politicians.

Some members of both our main political parties display a very unpleasant and depressing lack of loyalty to their colleagues and especially their leaders.

Backbiting and criticism does not inspire confidence among the electorate.

It must be very difficult for any team to win a race, negotiate successfully a contract, or guide a country towards its future, with some of their members dragging their feet, opposing their plans and complaining they need a new leader, instead of lending their whole-hearted support.

I suppose experienced politicians have learned how to cope with what many ordinary folk might think of as treachery but it must be so disheartening.

It doesn’t speak well of our democracy.

Pamela Brown, Goodwood Grove, York