I am not trying to give the impression my son is a saint, but I do not think the events that led to his exclusion warranted this type of punishment.

It would be in the interest of his education to look at other forms of sanction, especially when the school seems to be using exclusion as a first resort rather than a last resort.

I know teachers think they have a raw deal, but after having witnessed the way that some of them talk to some kids then they do not deserve respect. — Serial Exclusioner’s Mother.

The Labour Party at the time criticised the Conservative government. Some also criticised Margaret Thatcher for not appeasing General Galtieri over the Falkland Islands.

Now the worm has turned and a Labour government had to make difficult decisions about dealing with Saddam Hussein.

Unlike Hitler, he did not present a direct threat to the UK. He could, however, invade surrounding Arab states and set the Middle East alight. — R. F.

SADDAM MAY have lost but, judging by the sentiments of some, he won the propaganda war. I believe it was right to go into Iraq. That no weapons of mass destruction have been found is not important.

What is important is being able to pick up a paper and read that an interim Iraqi government is making giant strides towards democracy and ordinary Iraqis can now walk the streets without fear of Saddam.

Saddam’s trial for human rights abuses cannot come quickly enough. A truer picture of what he got up to will be there for all to see. — J. Brown, Dundee.

WHILE SOME in this country have been content to busy themselves with anti-American rhetoric, armed militiamen, loyal to radical clerics, were engaged in street fighting, determined to undermine Iraq’s move towards democracy.

Muslims and non-Muslims, working to restore vital utilities, face the threat of kidnap and execution. One of the biggest threats to a democratic Iraq is Muqtada al-Sadr. — Democrat, Dundee.

IRAQ WITH scores of innocent civilians killed daily is the perfect breeding ground for Islamic extremism, which Saddam Hussein had largely kept in check.

He also recognised the importance of defending Iraq’s borders from foreign terrorists. These same borders are now as porous as the arguments used by Tony Blair to justify the invasion.

With the lack of any credible plan to maintain order after the collapse of the old regime, Iraq has descended into chaos and the blame lies at the feet of the American and British governments. — S. White, Arbroath Road, Dundee.

WHY ALL the Tony Blair bashing from Tele readers? I support everything he has done over Iraq.

As for the war being illegal, would a Prime Minister be allowed to commit troops anywhere if a war was illegal? Tony Blair even went to the House of Commons for a vote, which he won.

I am convinced, in the fullness of time, Tony Blair will be regarded as the greatest Prime Minister Britain has had. — James Murray, Thurso Crescent, Dundee.

YOU CAN only admire the pluck of the Iraqi international football team which reached the last four of the Olympics.

Their success was down to a growing team spirit, national pride and an absence of fear. When Saddam’s son Uday headed the Iraqi Olympic committee, poor performances were punished with torture. — D. A. B.

The one in the Marketgait is out-standing. It must give visitors heading for the city centre, after crossing the bridges or coming via Riverside Drive, a good first impression. — Newport Commuter.

I, too, am in the same position. Under old rules, I have to pay £343 per month and under new rules I would be paying around £160.

I have been told there is no date for my case to be transferred to the new rules.

I hope Mr Cook has success as this will open the floodgates for myself and others to get a fair and proper assessment. — M. A., Dundee.

Gurkhas are a brave body of men, and have won a number of VCs.

A few years ago to stay in the Army they had to take the oath to the Queen, which they did.

Now they are being dumped and the Government should be ashamed. — A. O. Young, Craigowan Road, Dundee.