I READ with some disbelief the comments of Ron O'Keeffe (Letters, May 31) concerning Jack Straw.

Mr O'Keeffe states that Mr Straw has been the best Home Secretary for more than a decade. Where has he been living? Like Alice -- in Wonderland?

When Jack Straw became Home Secretary crime was falling. Now, under his ineffective and liberal policies, crime is on the rise again.

Mr Straw has lurched from one crisis to another since he took office.

Has Mr O'Keeffe forgotten the passport fiasco last summer?

Is he happy with the rising numbers of asylum seekers flocking to Britain under the stewardship of Mr Straw?

In my opinion, Mr Straw is the worse Home Secretary Britain has had for many a year.

P BALL (Mr), St James' Road, Blackburn.