I WATCHED the television debate involving those aspiring to lead Labour.

I would have preferred to watch paint dry. Not one of them had a vision of where he thought or she thought we would be after five years of a Labour government.

From what I could tell, it would not be much different from a Tory government. I want to see a Labour Party with fire in its belly to spend the next five years telling people what a difference it can make.

I think the people standing to be deputy leader seem a better option than those standing to be leader.

Is anyone prepared to take on big business? Is anyone prepared to redefine what the Labour Party means in the 21st century? I do not think so. Is the Labour Party finished as a radical voice? Is it ashamed of being a left-wing party? I think it is.

I said in previous letters that we should explain what we are open to achieve. I have said previously I do not mind anyone making billions but they must pay their fair share. For one man to be rich, thousands must accept a lot less. That is fact. Most people are happy, providing they have enough to live on. Sadly, many do not.

If people have enough to look after their family, have pleasure and be reasonably happy, they do not want politicians interfering directly in their life. They need help when they need it and the expect the politicians to make sure there is an even playing field.

So I am asking these politicians to answer these questions: l Are you in favour of reforming the voting system to proportional representation?

l Will you pass legislation for a living wage?

l Will you nationalise companies such as gas, water, electricity, transport etc?

l Will you commit yourself to supplying enough housing stock?

l Will you freeze rents?

l Will you make sure through taxation that these are not unaffordable?

Not one of you said anything remotely like this. You want to tinker with the system and think that the public are daft enough to vote for you. You should be radical, bold and welcome industry.

Leaders should lead, not look at the opinion polls. The Labour Party is becoming too pathetic for words.

Ian Greenhalgh (via email)