DEAR EDITOR, - I read in last week's edition that three candidates have put their names forward for the county council by-election in Narberth Rural.

All were described by your newspaper as 'independent'.

Does that mean 'independent', as defined in my dictionary: 'not belonging to or supported by a party', or does it mean potential member of the county council's ruling Independent Political (sic) Group (IPG)?

It hardly needs to be pointed out that this second meaning of independent is the exact opposite of the dictionary definition.

This terminological confusion allows members of the IPG to go about telling people that party politics has no place in local government while, at one and the same time, being signed up to what is, in all but name, a political party.

A secondhand car salesman using such methods could expect a visit from the Trading Standards Department.

I would venture to guess that, in common with most people, your newspaper is in favour of the accurate labelling of food products.

Why shouldn't the same principle apply to politicians?

After all, it would seem to be essential, if the democratic process is to have any meaning at all, that the voters should have the fullest possible information about the intentions and political affiliations of the candidates.

Mike Stoddart independent (dictionary-definition) county councillor for Hakin Court Farm, Liddeston, Milford Haven.