While I read with interest your interview with Mr Shapps, the shadow housing minister (5 February, page 28), your choice of headline was unfortunate for a professional journal

It is well documented that parties in opposition will offer the world to get elected. I am no fan of the government; however, you seem to have conveniently forgotten the number of new hospitals, schools, and so on procured while Labour has been in power.

The industry’s problems are well documented – however, most readers would very much doubt the Tories, or any party, are the panacea to these ills.

Patrick Murdock, Newry, Northern Ireland

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