I agree with Allan C Steele that the majority of our poorest will have faithfully paid their taxes and that there are many instances of the rich failing to do so ( Letters, October 1 ).

And I remember the "can pay won't pay" stickers in front windows in 1989/90 over the Community Charge (Poll Tax) in households neither rich nor poor where on their own admission the occupants could afford to pay what was legally due, but chose not to.

I appreciate that in many cases this was as a matter of principle but if they have now exercised their democratic right to vote they should accept the responsibility that goes with that and in fairness to the poor who did pay they should now be required to stump up.

Else, having your cake and eating it comes to mind.

R Russell Smith,

96 Milton Road,

Kilbirnie.

According to the Electoral Reform Society ("Chasing up voter debts 'will harm' democracy", The Herald, October 1), "we should be doing everything we can to sustain people's passion and energy for politics". Paraphrased slightly, a similar sentiment applies to those who are attempting to recoup the debts from numerous within our society who have failed to do so over a period of years.

John Macnab,

175 Grahamsdyke Street,

Laurieston, Falkirk.