I WAS surprised to read Mr Barton’s comments regarding TG Ryder’s tirade against Gordon Brown’s premiership and the effect upon future generations (This is no time to “change horses”, Letters, April 16).

Isn’t Mr Barton aware that TJ Ryder is always right; he never finds it necessary to explain how he attained his exceptional knowledge about politics. In previous letters he has always assumed that we, other readers, are totally unaware of the “information” he is divulging.

Unlike my favourite regular contributor, Ken Bowker, he never chooses to inform the reader of his lifetime experiences, as does Ken, and which serve us all as a basis for our beliefs in almost everything in life.

Could it be that TJ Ryder is perhaps sworn to secrecy having been employed on matters of national importance? We know a great deal about Ken’s experiences in the Met and other parts of his life and we, although not always agreeing, respect his opinion.

In the same way dear old Mike Usherwood always gives a reason to support his argument when attempting to eliminate cyclists from our roads, while his opponent Mr Hepworth bores us (sorry, me) to death trying to only allow motor vehicles priority use on roads which the cyclists don’t need.

I realise TJ Ryder is not the only political critic in York who believes he has knowledge of which the public are unaware; I have heard similar views expounded many times by others in pubs and clubs, usually after 10pm and half a gallon of Tetley’s.

But I would suggest unless he is prepared to divulge at least some experience drawn from his private life, he will be classified as another Walter Mitty and his letters left unread.

J Grey, Lakeside, Strensall, York.