MY HEARTY congratulations to Her Majesty on her Diamond Jubilee, and my sincere hopes that she emulates her mother’s longevity to celebrate a reign of 75 years.

That being said, I am first and foremost a democrat. Is there a contradiction here, between support for an hereditary Head of State and an elected Government? Do I have some ideological circle to square? The emphatic answers, for me, are “no” and “no”.

Leaving theory aside, we must perforce live in the real world of human frailty and perversity. In this world, Democracy is an exotic but fragile flower which needs to be nurtured and protected.

It is my firm belief that our version of a constitutional (albeit largely unwritten) monarchy provides the framework within which the flower of democracy may bloom.

The very fact of a hereditary monarch with symbolic and closely circumscribed powers protects us, by providing a buffer between politics and executive power.

We do not need to look far to see potent examples of the dangers of unfettered Republicanism.

In the 1930s, Hitler was appointed as German Chancellor by a weak and ineffectual President.

In the 1960s the election of John F Kennedy was not without controversy, and the election of the last US President (Bush Jr) was closely connected to the fact that his brother was Governor of Florida where the decisive election result was hotly contested.

In contemporary Europe, Greece remembers recent military rule by Junta whilst her democracy teeters on the brink.

Ex-President Mubarak of Egypt is beginning a life sentence for ordering the killing of many protesters, whilst President Assad of Syria is unlikely to be a nominee for the next Nobel Peace Prize.

There are many, many more examples from around the world.

How is democracy best served? Long Live the Queen!

Bill Armer

Deighton

Measuring costs

I WOULD agree totally with correspondent Arthur Quarmby (May 29) that there is no better fitting suit than one that is made to measure.

As a younger man one of my occupations was working in the tailor’s shop then known as Jessops, I did manage to get a discount on a made to measure suit and remember it being the best suit I ever wore.

The problem these days is that, relative to one’s income compared to those days, made to measure suits are unaffordable for most people with the cost of one being made is at least £500 in the UK.

Anthony Smith

Huddersfield

Backing British goods

WITH unemployment in this country being at a concerning level, I think that it is about time our puppet politicians took positive action to solve the issue.

During the 1980’s when Lady Thatcher was Prime Minister textiles were badly hit due to the importing of cheaper clothes, and we had the Back Britain campaign where people were asked to avoid buying overseas garments.

The importing of cheaper goods is clearly a cause of job losses.

Chinese items are far cheaper and are in mass production. If these were not bought then Britain could produce and sell to the public, homemade goods.

If there were fewer imports more factories and mills could be opened and this would lead to the creation of jobs in this country.

We need to act quickly to prevent the Thatcher years returning and to create jobs. Focus on our home country then rather than those from overseas.

Colin Vause

Marsh

Pipe dreams

NOW let me get this right. In 2010 Kirklees Council got Yorkshire Water to agree not to dig up Gilead Road, so that it could be given its pristine new surface, knowing full well that the road would have to be dug up by YW a short time later for essential repairs to pipework.

Nurse! They’re out of bed again....

Alan Starr

Golcar

Honesty praised

I WOULD like to thank the person who handed my purse in at Lloyds Bank in Holmfirth last Thursday.

Your honesty was very much appreciated.

GRATEFUL PENSIONER

Holmfirth

Supporting costs

WHILE I agree that the crowd of 2,574 for the Challenge Cup Quarter Final against London Broncos at the Galpharm (I didn’t see one London fan) was poor, I don’t forget that just a week before the Giants played against the Catalan Dragons in Southern France with a support of 1,000 Giants fans.

I would imagine a lot of those fans had spent up after that.

MRS B OLIVER

Marsden

Great achievement

MY husband and I enjoyed watching on TV the League I play-off final at Wembley. What an exciting match and a brilliant result for Huddersfield Town.

We also enjoyed the celebrations in Town on Monday. Seeing the coach arrive with the players and hearing from Dean Hoyle, Simon Grayson and the players themselves, it was awesome.

We were also happy to see our Colne Valley MP, Jason McCartney. We know he is a big fan of the club.

However, it was rather disappointing that the Huddersfield MP, Barry Sheerman did not attend to support the club.

Congratulations go to Dean Hoyle, Simon Grayson, and the Town players. Best wishes in the Championship next season.

My later father was born in Sheffield but supported Huddersfield Town. I’m sorry he isn’t alive to see this wonderful achievement.

SHEILA M HYDE

Beaumont Park

Bad call on Giants

I READ with interest the three letters (May 31) regarding the Giants recent performances.

The two letters from Mike of Mirfield, and DR AGM were acceptable criticism, but the one from Ian Staples was laughable.

To call for the sacking of Nathan Brown after a couple of bad performances is ludicrous and to say he (Ian) is the only real fan the club has got because he has written to the Examiner, well, words fail me.

Finally if he thinks it takes “bottle” to write a letter then the dear chap ought to get our more, bless him!

T WILKINSON

Fartown supporter for 64 years

Looking to the future

WITH reference to the letter from Stan Ellis from Kirkheaton “And a big thanks to Ken” (Examiner, May 31).

While thanking Ken, would Mr Ellis kindly ask Ken to give Huddersfield Town their shares back and then this outstanding achievement may be followed by other outstanding achievements in the future.

BRIAN A SHEARS

Brighouse

Sporting pride

I THINK D Nolan of Huddersfield is being somewhat selfish ( Letters, June 1).

While I appreciate that Dean Hoyle has provided continuing support for Huddersfield Town Football Club in many ways, which should be applauded, had it not been for the original courage and vision of Ken Davy, neither the football club or the Giants would be the teams they are today.

As supporters we should be grateful to both these gentlemen for their continuing loyalty and investment, which ensures that many thousands of local supporters can enjoy their sport of choice.

Grahame Heap

Oakes