For many years now there has been a big fuss and apparent concern when anyone gives (donates, loans) money to political parties and/or individual politicians - but why?

Yes, it might be given in the hope of receiving some "reward", but this money is given freely, not under threat, and it usually is not stolen money.

If someone is willing to give their money to a politician, that is surely up to them.

Most of us would not trust any politician, and certainly would not give them any money, but if a person really wants to pass on some of their wealth to a politician, why shouldn't they?

It is obviously better if we the general public knows who is giving large sums of money to politicians, because we can then see if favours follow that are inappropriate, and the transaction looks like a bribe.

This is surely better than political parties being funded by the taxpayer.

If that ever happens, we are then all being forced to let some of our hard-earned cash go towards people and policies that we totally disagree with.

A fool and his money are soon parted. Let them continue, I say.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way, Holgate, York.