Every person is entitled to their opinion

IN Mailbox on January 11, Mary Carrick has thrown some criticism towards myself and Simon Bailey, accusing us of making personal criticisms in our submisions.

I cannot speak for Simon, but I think such an observation is unfair in my case, and therefore demands a response.

I don’t want to sound over-defensive, but I do take great care in establishing that everyone is entitled to express their point of view and anyone who read my letter in Mail Box on January 9, regarding the unacceptability of extreme views, will understand where I am coming from.

As for Michael Somerton, it is obvious which side of the political divide he comes from, and I acknowledge and respect that, in the same way that I acknowledge his wide experience of workplace history and other social issues.

In Mailbox on January 8 I even concluded that, in political terms “You pays your money, and takes your choice”. In no way did I “denigrate” Michael, nor criticise his political beliefs - far from it, in fact.

I should think I must have written - and had published - over 600 letters in the HDM in the last 12 years or so, and I try to vary the subject matters as much as I can, while maintaining topicality and on occasions adding some satire.

As for my political status I am not, nor have ever been a member of any political party, which gives me the freedom to make comments and observations, without anyone being able to accuse me of having entrenched views.

Rob Milner, Hedon.