I HAVE long believed that accusations often say more about the values of the accuser than the accused. Derek Holley (Letters April 26) refers to me making impolite reference to surnames - once a headmaster always a headmaster before continuing with a se

I HAVE long believed that accusations often say more about the values of the accuser than the accused. Derek Holley (Letters April 26) refers to me making "impolite reference to surnames - once a headmaster always a headmaster" before continuing with a self-indulgent rant about vendettas.

Had Derek had the common sense to check his facts before rushing intemperately into print, he would have discovered that the "Holley folly" title, to which he takes exception, was not written by me. My letter had no title and no caption. The title was created by a newspaper sub-editor.

I trust that Derek will now do the decent thing and arrange for his apology to be given as much prominence in your paper as his ill-tempered and misguided attack.

Nevertheless, we wish him a long and happy retirement.

PETER DOWNES, Leader, Liberal Democrats, Huntingdonshire