8 MARCH 2003, Page 30

From Mr Roderick MacLean Sir: Why are you so enthusiastically

embracing the term 'Tory'? In modern usage it is most often a left-wing term of abuse. In origin it was first applied to Irish bog-trotters and robbers, and then in around 1680 to the most hot-headed asserters of the royal prerogative (see Chambers English Dictionary).

I am not therefore a Tory, but am proud to be a member of the Conservative and Unionist party, and it seems bizarre that we should willingly embrace such a demeaning label as Tory.

Roderick MacLean

Edinburgh