23 MAY 1998, Page 28

Boris good enough

Sir: Has Boris Johnson got news for us (41 was stitched up', 2 May)? Twenty years ago, disappointed to read in the New Statesman that the plausible etymologies in Call MY Bluff are worked out in advance by experts, I wrote to the producer. His reply, though curt, was instructive. Participants in such shows are 'celebrities', that is idols with nei- ther wit nor knowledge. Everybody knows this (he explained) except the naive, foolish and out of touch. Mr Johnson should glory in his simplicity and enjoy his 'grand'.

P.E. Roe

157 Verulam Road, St Albans, Herts