COUNCILLOR David Renard suggests that he and his colleagues are victims of their simple desire to get things done – how else would one interpret his opening misquote.

In fact the full text of the misquote, when applied correctly is: “Criticism is something you can avoid easily – by saying nothing, by doing nothing and being nothing.” It is also the case that criticism can be avoided by speaking the truth and by doing things right.

Coun Renard and his administration are frequently criticised, not for just doing something as he implies, but for doing things which are demonstrably silly or worse, totally illogical.

Without wishing to cause him and his merry men apoplexy, let me once more return to the Wi-Fi saga which cost council tax payers over £400k – with the only winner being Rikki Hunt, who received a six-figure remuneration package from the farce.

The council was warned about the dangers of the proposed deal, they were invited to reconsider their position, even at the point where it was as clear as a pikestaff that the whole project was doomed to failure, the modus operandi was to traduce their opponents with personal insults and outright lies.

The trouble with politicians is that upon being elected they assume to themselves magical powers such as “if I believe it, it must be true” or “I know best” and worse “it’s about making tough choices”. The reality is that we the people have little say in what elected councillors do and in truth there is no mechanism which allows us to force change. The election process is flawed in favour of the political elite, providing no real opportunity for changing the political composition of the council. And with wards dominated by party politics there is little, if any, room for a truly independent person to win a seat.

Coun Renard and his colleagues on the council clearly enjoy the political rush as the job clearly isn’t about the money you can earn. However, I would counsel the councillor to refrain from suggesting he is a victim of criticism simply for doing something. He is rightly challenged, questioned and criticised for doing something which others feel is wrong. He is a stout fellow and well able to defend himself and his position.

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon