Regal likeness
Sir: On reading the last paragraph of Mr Kenyon's review (1 April) of John Miller's new book, I was struck by the strong resemblance between the careers of James II and Mr Edward Heath. The latter was not a Roman Catholic, did not tinker with the judiciary and did not give up without a fight, but the two careers were marked by many similar paradoxes. For example: 1. Each man combined flexible principles with rigid policies, James II on religious toleration and Mr Heath on prices and incomes.
2. Both men were patriots and both men were widely regarded as unpatriotic. James II was a Roman Catholic, married to a Roman Catholic and associated with Louis XIV; Edward Heath was committed to the Common Market, the destruction of former local government boundaries and devolution.
3. Both the King over the water and the lost leader inspired fierce loyalty in some quarters, whilst lacking personal warmth and powers of perspasion.
4. Each of them worked for many years with, but failed'to learn from, a great political tactician (Charles II and Mr Harold Macmillan).
Michael Malone 2 Sharon Avenue, Grasscroft Oldham, Lancs.
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