THE letters from Norman Kay and John Hudson in the April 1 edition of your newspaper complaining about the quantity and quality of the election literature produced by the Conservative party and candidate beggar belief.

Mr Carmichael is a politician and that is what politicians do, especially prior to a general election.

What do your correspondents expect?

I too have received election material from both major parties promoting their policies and extolling their past achievements.

It would be surprising if they were not straining every sinew to gain the attention of the electorate by whatever means they can.

As to Mr Kay’s assertion that Mr Carmichael was "insinuating" himself into every photo opportunity he can, that may well be the case.

I recall when Mr Drew was member for Stroud he was doing exactly the same thing.

Prior to 2010 I used to count the number of times his photograph appeared in the SNJ each week, I believe the record was five.

I mean no disrespect for either of these candidates, I simply wish to point out that we should not be surprised at this.

They had a message to put across and needed the electorate to be aware that they take a prominent role in the life of the community they wish to represent.

Whether we choose to take any notice of any of this publicity is up to us. Furthermore, I believe the Stroud electorate to be intelligent and sophisticated enough to be aware of what electioneering is about without the need for patronising reminders from Mr Kay.

Susan Davis

Stroud