In reply to Simon Smith (Letters, January 3), the problem with a "democratically elected" head of state is you can only vote for one of the candidates listed.

The choice offered will be from a few party faithful who are being rewarded for a lifetime career of unthinking and unswerving devotion to the party leader, the party leader himself, plus possibly a dubious businessman, retired general or third-rate sports personality to make up the numbers.

The Royal Family have their problems but could you really cope with a President Blair, President Major or President Thatcher?

The only candidate I would vote for, Mr Smith, is the Amazing Dancing Bear.

-Ken Faulkner, Brighton