Sir.-Charles Kennedy sums up the Liberal Democrats in two comments (The Monday Gazette, February 21).

Firstly, "there are no glass ceilings" in the Lib-Dems and, secondly, "I don't think there are any hard and fast rules".

The Lib-Dems first say they are the party for the people in the area they are in, but in another area they seem to say it differently - just like Ian Powney.

It seems they tell you what you want to hear - but they don't mean it.

Take Cllr Powney. He told people what they wanted to hear, but has he kept his dignity amongst us? I say no, just like all the Lib-Dems.

Who upgraded and put the money into Basingstoke hospital for all the improvements? Labour did, not the Lib-Dems.

It was good of Mr Kennedy to recognise how great Basingstoke hospital is and the dedicated work that the people do there - all because Labour already recognises the potential of the staff and their work.

-George Potten, Dryden Close, Basingstoke.

Sir.-I read with interest Charles Kennedy's statement: "I chose the hospital because it has been recognised as having very high standards and is setting a benchmark nationally".

And on the opposite page of the same paper was the story "Wards isolated as hospital is hit by virus".

What a mis-statement by Mr Kennedy.

It is not the first time that Basingstoke hospital has had to close wards.

Speaking from experience, the hygiene standards leave much to be desired.

The management says the bug is not thought to be life-threatening. With diarrhoea and vomiting, one loses body fluid, which is life-threatening.

One does not have to be doctor to know that.

-Ron Collins, Westfield Road, Basingstoke.