I had some time to kill earlier this week while waiting for an appointment in London, so I went for a memory lane walk down Fleet Street.

Not many signs of the old days are left, and the legendary Daily Express building was clad in scaffolding and sheets. But my heart jumped as I approached the Royal Courts of Justice.

Television camera lights were on and the 'rat-pack' were there waiting for a development.

Just to the left of the entrance, in a 'fenced-off' area, stood a small number of anti-Pinochet protesters. I had a chat with one or two of them.

During the course of the conversation - and I realise it is stating the obvious - the depth of their belief in the cause became powerfully clear. Nothing will shake that view.

Back at base I was struck by the content of one or two letters on my desk. Mischief making and point-scoring had been carefully crafted into their content.

I love a good debate, especially those which take place during the build-up to elections, when 'daggers are drawn'.

What I like most of all are straight forward views, honestly expressed, with no spin on them - just like those expressed by the campaigners I met.

PS. Apologies to a number of readers whose letters have not appeared this week. It was nothing to do with their content. The gremlins were it it again. The letters will be considered as usual for next week's issue.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.