WHEN I was asked to take part in a debate that you are organising between the General Election candidates, I of course agreed.

But I do have some misgivings about it, because in many ways I don't regard myself as a fit and proper candidate.

I have at least two reasons for saying this.

Proper candidates should have proper policies.

I don't.

Politics has been well defined as 'the art of the possible.'

It will easily enough be discovered that what patchy ideas I have are too vague and idealistic to possibly be effective.

For this reason I would advise people not to vote for me.

I am also an improper candidate in that throughout my life I have on occasions lied and cheated, and try as I may, day by day, I cannot be sure of not doing so again.

For this reason I would advise people not to vote for me.

And here, for good measure, is a third reason.

Voters expect at least some general suggestion of a candidate's respectability, and, for example, constituency parties are happy when a candidate's 'marital status' or whatever is simple and reassuring.

Mine isn't.

I think that it ought to be known that I was once married but was divorced in 1976, and that since soon afterwards my wife and two children have wanted as little to do with me as possible.

In fact there has been no direct communication for 25 years.

This suggests some radical un-soundness in my nature.

However, I shall enjoy taking part in the event on April 15, even if I am awarded no points.

My contribution could be to play a few tunes on the penny whistle and perhaps to make a few 'notes and suggestions for a political party? in rhyming couplets as Mr Osborne has suggested that The True English Poetry Party should do.

MICHAEL GIBSON

Middle Walk

Knutsford