HOW wonderful it must be to be a long-service, low-echelon MP representing a 'safe' constituency -- and how rewarding.

Follow the party line, don't ask awkward questions, have constituency clinics, keep your face in front of the local party faithful, attend the House fairly regularly and, while there, even nod your head occasionally.

When in opposition, the work is doubly onerous, as you will be more or less totally ineffectual.

Apart from a large salary, which you awarded yourself and which is totally out of proportion in most cases relative to your efforts and effectiveness, you will get an allowance for almost anything you desire. This includes at least one secretary, who may be your mother, wife, daughter, future wife, etc.

What are an ordinary MP's total emoluments? £100,000 a year? If your party is in power, you may be appointed to one of the many committees. This may give you a certain amount of kudos, but it may also allow you to go on useless 'fact finding' junkets to parts of the world you may previously have never heard of.

Then you may retire after perhaps 20 years with a lucrative non-contributory pension.

It is reported that the Prime Minister will collect a double pension of more than £100,000 a year.

Disgusting! Not only that, but you may even be elevated to the peerage for service to your country. What a farce!

R BRACEWELL (Mr), Ormerod Street, Worsthorne.