Kevin Booth asks why I concern myself with political matters in Hounslow when I live in Southall (Chronicle, July 17).

The answer is simple, I work in Hounslow. I think this gives me the right to hold an opinion on the issues that affect the borough.

Now perhaps Mr Booth can explain why he does not also question the right of Tory Peer Lord Ashcroft to concern himself with political matters in Hounslow.

Lord Ashcroft lives in Belize, but is helping to finance the campaign of the Conservative parliamentary candidate for the marginal seat of Brentford and Isleworth (the constituency that Mr Booth resides in).

At least I, along with the residents of Hounslow, actually pay taxes to the exchequer of this country - which is more than can be said for Lord Ashcroft.

It is also interesting that Mr Booth has raised no objection to the fact that the current mayor of Hounslow (ICG councillor Genevieve Hibbs) resides in the borough of Hillingdon.

But then perhaps we should not be surprised that Mr Booth is so selective in who he criticises. He is, after all, a frequent and outspoken supporter of Hounslow's ruling Tory/ICG coalition.

ROBIN TAYLOR Trinity Road, Hounslow.