TOM Doak (Letters, March 14) is quite right that ‘manners maketh man’, but he will also surely have been taught to be honest and open, to himself and to others.

I would caution Tom to remember that if he has a grievance (such as manners), then discuss it in person at the time.

Don’t try to be clever in a letter to the Echo.

Councillor White is well-respected (from all sides), a former mayor, a former Cabinet member, son of a mother who gave countless years of civic service to Southampton, and he is the most well-mannered person one could ever wish to meet.

So don’t keep on with your cheap shots at councillors, Tom. It does you no good. They have stood and won and represent their communities and try to do a good job – whatever their political background.

PETER BAILLIE, Councillor for Bitterne Park.