16 MARCH 2002, Page 42

Secrets of lies

From Sir Tim Rice Sir: Matthew Parris (Another voice, 2 March) points out that you can tell an honest politician because 'he gets into a tangled web when he practises to deceive' — his syntax goes to pot. Similarly, an infallible guide to a politician being dishonest as an interviewee is when he/she refers to the interviewer by his/her first name. The use of such an intimacy amid a formal conversation indicates a porkie coming up, as sure as eggs are eggs. Next time your readers hear an unnecessary 'Jeremy' or `Kirsty', they should be on their guard.

Tim Rice

London SW13