Thanks for Gideon Rachman’s timely article “Strongman syndrome” (Life & Arts, April 2). I take issue, however, with the term “strongman”. These men in reality are weak as water, petrified of losing power and terrified of remotely credible opponents. They cower from any scrutiny and from people’s free opinions.

Their worst nightmare is a little old lady holding up a piece of paper on a street corner, even one with nothing written on it.

Graham Styles
Bridport, Dorset, UK