TRIFLEGATE: I thought comments like this had disappeared forever

Cllr Brian Haley s description of Lib Dem councillor Laura Edge as a trifle: very sweet but lightweight is a throwback to the age of Carry On movies and working men s clubs that I thought had gone forever. His comment was as inappropriate as a refe

Cllr Brian Haley's description of Lib Dem councillor Laura Edge as ''a trifle: very sweet but lightweight'' is a throwback to the age of 'Carry On' movies and working men's clubs that I thought had gone forever.

His comment was as inappropriate as a reference to an individual's colour and has no place in contemporary politics.

It is disappointing that the ruling Labour Party's own Sid James stated that he would not have made the remark had he known what the reaction would be: not that it was in itself offensive.

It is unfortunate that the proposal by Cllr Edge to allow a one-hour multi-trip bus pass has been overshadowed by the name calling as it is in essence a good plan which operates well in many countries.

Cllr Haley's foot in mouth remark is not unique. Earlier this year he criticised Westminster Council for increasing parking charges by 33 per cent, having presided over increases of in excess of 100 per cent in parts of Haringey. Unbowed, he likened himself to a toffee apple: ''sweet and sticky but tough on the inside.'' Some might see him more as a souffle - full of hot air and lacking substance.

Brian Bowles

Redston Road, N8