YOUR correspondent, Frank Roby, asks why anyone would vote for a millionaire southerner to take the reigns of St Helens, well, the past history of the town is a sorry tale of poor management and opportunism by some MPs.

Sir David Gamble, owner of some dreadful chemical works in the town, made a second fortune by selling out to United Alkali (ICI) who promptly closed down the works leaving a legacy of dereliction which has lasted until recently.

Col. Michael Hughes, colliery owner, spent no more than six months a year at Sherdley Hall so as to avoid the tax man. The rest of his time was spent in Monte Carlo etc.

After the war, the electorate thought they could seize the big time by appointing wealthy QC Sir Hartley Shawcross. They thought this rich southerner would have influence in high places and put St Helens on the map. He was promptly made Attorney General and St Helens' problems went on the back burner!

So, how about a man of the people? Spriggs, an MP who distinguished himself by asking only one question the whole of his time in office and that was allegedly to request a window to be opened on a hot day!

Along came Dave Watts, having trounced Whitehall for the excessive community charge in St Helens. He was ideally placed to convert this idealism to reality in the Commons but his pleas seemed to fall on stony ground.

So St Helens has not fared well with its masters. New MPs are soon sucked into the system, whether a high or low-profile candidate their promises die on the vine, and hopes are often dashed.

All is not lost, however. MPs can do a lot for constituents if approached via letter, e-mail, fax or phone. They have access to ministers for answers to questions from constituents. Also, there are the local MPs' surgeries.

Stewart Griffiths, Rainford.