The economy is spiralling downwards, the criminals are going unpunished, stealth taxes are being imposed at will, a bureaucratic top-heavy NHS needs more and more money, uncontrolled immigration (legal and otherwise), the police hampered by PC, an unelected EU controlling much of our lives, a judiciary that is controlled by guidelines instead of using their heads, local councils rapidly becoming puppets of Government pressures, benefits being paid out to thousands of unchecked claimants, and an army of non-productive, non-effective, empire-building bureaucrats and quangoes.

The common factor of all of these problems is politicians – all 646 of them!

Politician's Job Description: No previous experience necessary, guaranteed high income and lavish expenses, plus enviable pension scheme and generous holidays, untold photo opportunities and a wonderful chance to release hot air!

It is not the ordinary people of this great country who make our laws, and the current trend of petty rules and regulations that blight our lives. We do not fix and impose the tax burden that affects our lifestyle and that of our children. It is the politicians who squander our money on many highly politically motivated schemes and self-promoting ideas – the general thinking being that spending a few million quid here and there will solve the country's problems.

They are the ones, who once elected become unaccountable for their actions (until the next election).

And they are the ones who tell us with mock sincerity "we feel your pain" when relating to the present financial strain many people face – whilst at the same time enjoying such incomes, expenses and guaranteed pensions whilst we the ordinary people are paying for it all.

And remember, they will also be touting for your vote and your support in the near future to give them another five year contract – think about it!

DENIS THORNTON, Templegate Avenue, Leeds