YOUR editorial anent the death of Charles Kennedy seeks a better appreciation of our parliamentarians ("A politician with a grounded charm", The Herald, June 3).

But portraying politics as "the most brutal of games" and "cruel and unforgiving" seems to me to over-egg the pudding somewhat. Many professions could no doubt be described in the same terms, and I'm not convinced that the business of politics merits special treatment.

Those who stand for election to Parliament make that choice willingly and in the full knowledge of the precarious nature of the job. Unlike most jobs, it has no specific qualifications or job description. Once elected, MPs are virtually assured of job security for five years at a time. Even the concept of dismissal for gross misconduct is more liberally interpreted in the case of MPs than in most other professions. Second chances following an error seem to be based on the subjective judgment of colleagues rather than on specific criteria laid down in a staff handbook.

The remuneration and perks of the job are well in excess of the average. What other profession, for instance, has to worry about how to refuse a 10 per cent pay rise? MPs appear to be free to arrange their working hours to suit their own convenience, attending Parliament as often or as seldom as they choose, with no obvious accountability to any manager.

In terms of what they actually do for their constituents, the performance of individual MPs ranges from assiduous to perfunctory. But here too they appear to be their own masters. No performance appraisals or retraining for them. Having enlisted the aid of MPs on several occasions, I have been mostly less than overwhelmed by the outcome. I know of many volunteers in organisations such as Citizens Advice or Independent Advocacy organisations who consistently work harder and achieve more effective results for aggrieved citizens.

For those not lucky enough to remain an MP, the loss of their parliamentary seat is of course traumatic, but no more than for any employee who suddenly loses their job. As in every profession, the way they cope with that loss will depend on their individual strengths or weaknesses, and on their own support network. For many MPs, the very fact of having been an elected parliamentarian will greatly, pehaps even disproportionately, enhance their future prospects.

The terms and conditions of an MP's employment must be the envy of many. By all means let us show them the respect they deserve. But in an increasingly competitive employment marketplace, let us not make the mistake of treating them as an endangered species.

Iain Stuart,

34 Oakbank Crescent,

Perth.