One-man show

The leaders' debates (Letters, 16 March) are a further move to a presidential prime minister, combining the worst aspects of the US and UK systems without their respective checks and balances, and likely to increase sofa governance.

If Gordon Brown emerges stronger and Labour wins the election, his probable 18 years' uninterrupted dominance of the top two cabinet positions and his powerful position to choose his successor would be unhealthy for our democracy.

I doubt if that is the intent of those selective or "floating" voters who may consider voting Labour, Liberal or Ukip.

It would also emphasise the paucity of Labour talent, particularly in England, since the untimely deaths of John Smith and Robin Cook.

JOHN BIRKETT

Horseleys Park,

St Andrews