Give Haiti a hand

Over the past year two groups of people – politicians and bankers – have lost virtually all credibility with the public. I wonder if the crisis in Haiti does not offer them a chance of redemption.

What a wonderful gesture it would be if every MP were to donate a week's wages and bankers were to donate their 2009 bonus to the appeal fund. As the nation helped the bankers in their moment of need, what a powerful witness it would be were they to match that generosity to people in their moment of direst need and for politicians, by seeking to help rebuild the homes of those who have nothing, to show they are not simply seeking to feather their own nests.

MICHAEL B REGAN

York Place

Edinburgh