Sir.-Messrs Straker and Tubbs of UNISON reacted to my letter in predictable style (letters, February 25).

Mr Straker's strategy is to align me with those in favour of dictatorship. I'm only left wondering if he understands precisely what "democracy" and "dictatorship" mean.

I also wonder if he has solidarity with those actually living in dictatorships, or whether he prefers to cheapen their terrible experiences in the name of slinging mud at his detractors and democratic opponents.

Mr Tubbs' intention seems to be to paint me as a selfish capitalist "alright Jack" who doesn't give a monkey's for the public sector, or as a vengeful soul who has seen his private sector pension decimated. The latter is untrue and a disgraceful, unfounded aspersion.

I suppose I might be "alright, Jack" in the terms of leftist union politics, but, if so, that's merely a consequence of hard work and determination - all without the "jobs for life, spoils for all" security blanket long enjoyed in the public sector.

Mr Tubbs also misinterprets my point about the assistance UNISON gives to the Labour Party. I don't know who their members vote for at elections (I can make an educated guess), but I do know of the contributions the union makes to the Labour Party via the "UNISON Labour-Link" and support of the 68 Labour MPs "sponsored" by UNISON.

All of this boils down to typical obfuscation - ignoring the issue at hand, attacking the straw man and smearing those who rail against their threatening tactics.

The public will not warm to union tactics that cause inconvenience, expense or hazard.

Therefore, I can only urge UNISON to press ahead with strikes at its earliest convenience - let's make the forthcoming election interesting!

-Aidan Richardson, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke.