To add to the tribulations of a beleaguered Prime Minister and Tory hierarchy, last Sunday witnessed a deputation of chairmen and chairwomen from Conservative associations at Number Ten Downing Street which oppose the Equal Marriage Bill.

This issue and a number of others in recent weeks highlight a problem which must face any political party in power: Do we give priority to issues which our own activists demand or to those which a majority in the country wish to see legislated upon?

Since the 2010 general election, the question of same-sex marriage has come to the fore – or been forced to the fore – whereas three years ago it was a mere twinkle in the eye of a few politicians and some pressure groups.

That was surely the reason why there was no mention of it in any party manifestos.

Events or a general feeling in the public can often supersede the contents of a political manifesto – dangerous dogs is one such issue.

So it has been with same-sex marriage; and the Government has to deal with it.

The various snippets we heard last weekend from Tory activists as they were interviewed in Downing Street appeared not only to be the words of a rearguard movement but also representative of an unmodernised Conservative Party of 30 years ago.

Their views were entirely at odds with the general feeling of the population. Polls indicate that more than 60 per cent support same-sex marriage.

In the light of the rise in popularity of Ukip, it would appear the present Tory Party is going the way of the Republicans in the US: fast becoming so out of touch with the general feelings of an ever younger and better-informed electorate that it is seen as the irrelevant rump of a bygone age.

Michael B Johnson, Kevin Gardens, Brighton

I have no problem with being called a “swivel-eyed loon” for having opinions which vary with those of David Cameron and his inner circle.

However, given the measure of Ukip’s success following the “clowns” jibe and the damage caused by his actions in relation to Leveson, same-sex marriage and Europe, I can’t help feeling that he needs to adjust the “swivel” as the eyes seem to be reflecting the views of his inward-looking chums.

Neil Kelly, Tredcroft Road, Hove