IN his announcements on law and order, and the anti-social behaviour of binge drinkers, it was interesting to hear Tony Blair blaming "a group of young people who were brought up without parental discipline".

Was this the kind of parental discipline that led to a 16-year-old Euan Blair being arrested for underage binge drinking?

At the time, he was quoted as saying, "being a prime minister can be a tough job, being a parent is probably tougher, and sometimes you don't always succeed".

It seems now that in order to pander to the likes of the Daily Mail, he's forgotten this sentiment in favour of persecuting the children of the working class, which his party is supposed to represent.

I'd expect to hear one rule for us and another for the rest from the Conservatives, but would expect better from Mr Blair. On second thoughts forget that last bit.

Nigel Ayre,

Galtres Road,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 11:18 Friday, July 23, 2004