2 SEPTEMBER 2000, Page 28

Essence of Is

From Mr Malcolm Knott Sir: In her spirited defence of Islington and its pine tables (`Do they know what Is is?', 26 August), Anne McElvoy omits to men- tion one of its great attractions, namely the high proportion of young professionals who have not yet started a family, or whose chil- dren are still under school age. Of course,

LETTERS

when their children reach school age these professionals often emigrate to the suburbs, in search of Conservative education author- ities; but, before they leave, those of a `cen- tre-leftish' persuasion usually have the satis- faction of voting Labour in at least one local election. This helps to ensure that the coun- cil-house tenants who remain in the bor- ough can still have their children educated on proper socialist principles.

Malcolm Knott

London N14