THERE is much talk about the need to have a larger number of female MPs and to that end the leaders of political parties are promoting the idea of pre-selected female candidates. This in the hope that many constituencies will adopt a female candidate for the elections.

Given that the dividing line over policies between the main political parties has narrowed, essentially gravitating to the centre, the choice of either a female or male candidate, by the constituency organisation, will not affect the outcome of an election.

In today's world, politics is very much about spin and the charisma of each of the party leaders - or the lack of it.

Additionally, given the manner in which the members of the Houses of Commons conduct their business, they could stay at home and record their votes on-line.

RAY ANGEL, Southampton.