DOUGLAS Mills (Letters, May 14) really ought to study the history of the Liberal Democrats and its predecessor parties. He might then come to a different conclusion.

When I joined the Liberal Party, we had three aims: to save deposits, to retain six MPs, and to to achieve 10 per cent of the national vote.

Since then we have had ups and downs, sometimes below three per cent and in the general election campaign 32 per cent in opinion polls.

On several occasion, others (like Mr Mills) were calling undertakers to be ready, only to find that a toast-master was required instead.

Where, Mr Mills, is the Labour Party in Poole? The Lib Dems actually gained an extra seat. Disastrous as the local elections were, in seats where there are Lib Dem MPs there were generally gains, rather than losses. Lib Dems are in government not for prestige but for action and I for am proud of our achievements.

DAVID W LE POIDEVIN, Library Road, Poole