LIBERAL Democrat supporter Patrick Wright's laboured effort at humour (Letters, January 19) is designed to disguise one thing only: that his party's senior members and independent commentators alike are raising serious questions about whether the Liberals continue to serve any useful purpose.

When correspondent Tom Spring-Smyth quotes these impeccable sources, he is feebly accused of ranting by Lib Dems who really ought to be asking themselves what, if anything, their failing party actually stands for.

Incidentally, Mr Wright is wrong to suggest that The Times is a Conservative newspaper. At the 1997 general election it backed no one political party, while in 2001 and 2005 it endorsed New Labour.

SARAH MANTON, Marchwood.