April 22: Does the no-show David Cameron actually want the job of PM?

RECENTLY our Huddersfield Over Fifties Forum (HOFF), with the help of Judith Churley of Age UK, held a hustings at Huddersfield Town Hall. It was attended by representatives from all major and minor parties. The meeting was chaired firmly and fairly by HOFF’s chairman, Richard Palmer, who took questions about local and national issues.

Everyone left with a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment after some rigorous debate. What a let down then was the farcical debate on BBC chaired by David Dimbleby. Where oh where were David Cameron and Nick Clegg? Clearly Cameron does not want the job. That’s why he announced – somewhat arrogantly it could be argued – that he would not serve a third term before he had won the second.

Even the former Tory leader William Hague, always an accomplished speaker, could not dig Cameron out of that hole. Not surprisingly he too is a retiree. If you’re going – say it after you’ve won like Tony Blair. Cameron refuses to debate with Ed Miliband every time he is given the opportunity. Moreover he has stitched up Nick Clegg – who is quite capable of doing it himself anyway – he was denied the opportunity to debate and may lose his seat. Miliband looked and talked like he wanted the job but there was something of the Mikado about the event with the three little maids from school and the menacing presence of the Lord High Executioner. Moreover Nicola Sturgeon seemed desperate to be co-joined to Miliband – but he gallantly if somewhat timorously declined her offers. He may, perhaps, due to the dominance of her persistence, have to accept?

Without doubt our little local event had more credence and earthly presence. The national, on the other hand, was pure Gilbert and Sullivan.

From: John Marshall, Coldbath Road, Harrogate.

MARK Casci (The Yorkshire Post, April 17) criticises the Deputy Prime Minister for not attending the recent BBC election debate. Where has Mr Casci been? Nick Clegg made it quite clear that he was willing to take part but had not been invited. What was he supposed to do, gatecrash the event?

Personally I think these occasions are over-rated – a modern version of the Roman practice of throwing Christians to the lions.

Nick Clegg had a much 
better idea, canvassing in Ecclesall in the afternoon and canvassing in the Devonshire Arms later on.