The death of Dutch electoral hopeful Pim Fortuyn demonstrates what risks politicians run when they are prepared to freely mix with the public. This cowardly act is a tragedy in a free society.

It is vital in a democratic society that the electorate can have access to the politicians wishing to represent them in any elections, whether they be local or general.

I am not a supporter of Fortuyn's policies but argument and debate are the way to put our views across.

The assassination of politicians or leading public figures will not achieve anything and I do not want to see anything like this happening in our country.

Our politicians must not be deterred in any way by these events.

A vast majority of the electorate wishes to meet representatives face to face to put their across. One hopes this will continue to be the case in The Netherlands as well.

-Steve Fuller, Rowan Avenue, Hove