As with the appearance of Halley's comet in 1066, those who have observed Mars, the Bringer of War, burning in the sky might consider it a sombre reflection on matters in 2003.

Our MP, Dr Andrew Murrison, has been called up to make a humanitarian contribution in Iraq. I feel sure that, given Andrew's own star qualities of energy, character, local commitment and not least his courage to vote against the conflict everyone on all sides of the political divide will wish him and his family all the very best at this time.

Andrew's first-hand observations on the situation will no doubt be extremely interesting, and I hope the Wiltshire Times will be able to cover as much of his story as can be told something which I will look forward to.

P Fowler

Trowbridge

I wish our MP Andrew Murrison well on his tour of duty in Iraq, and look forward to his safe return.

As you pointed out in your report, it's slightly ironic that Andrew was one of the few MPs on the Conservative benches not to follow the party line, but to be closer to the Liberal Democrat position of opposing the invasion of Iraq in principle. History is in the process of proving him right, and Blair, Bush and Duncan-Smith wrong.

Dr Murrison has also been a useful ally in opposing Conservatives at local level. He fought unsuccessfully against the closure of the middle schools in the south of the constituency, and has raised concerns about Tory plans to drive the Westbury bypass through the Special Landscape Area east of the town.

In both cases he found himself closer to the position of Wiltshire Liberal Democrats than to the county Conservatives.

So look after yourself Andrew. I'm sure the work you're doing in Iraq is far more important than being just another of Mr Duncan-Smith's backbenchers.

T Carbin

Leader, Wiltshire Liberal Democrats

Hilperton