10 FEBRUARY 2001, Page 28

Whingeing Burge

From Mr James Robbins Sir: When I read Petronella Wyatt's interview with the Countryside Alliance's chief executive Richard Burge (`Gone to Claridge's', 20 January), I recognised the mischievous tone and discounted the awful impression given of him. Then the whining, petulant, chippy tone of his reply (Letters, 27 January) confirmed the impression of a pompous schoolboy caught sneaking glances at Petronella's legs. The cause of the countryside needs a leader with gravitas, who is very surefooted in his dealings with journalists. Oh dear.

James Robbins

Manchester