IRONICALLY for a country that prides itself on the strength of its civilian government, the one organisation that seems equipped to respond and the only one to come well out of the foot-and-mouth affair so far is the Army.

The sight of brisk Army officers in battledress has been reassuring to the public. No wonder Ministers love to be filmed in the company of real men.

The question is where will the Army strike next. If Oliver Cromwell came back, I know where he would strike.

And that would be right in the House of Commons and he would get rid of those sleeping beauties who hang around day after day doing nothing.

SIDNEY CULLIS, Worcester.