C N BURKETT’S disappointment at the Government’s decision to postpone the culling of badgers is a predictable response from the misinformed.

He or she rightly sympathises with our farmers. However, to assume that a cull is the silver bullet farmers have been praying for, is naïve.

Let’s not forget we’ve been here before. In the 1960s there was a “cull” using a different technique, a blanket gassing of setts.

Fast forward more than 50 years and we’re back where we started, despite the suffering to both cattle and badgers.

Let’s all be clear over one fact – farmers, cattle, and badgers have been political “toys” for years.

Despite scientific evidence to the contrary we still think that destroying badgers is the answer.

History tells us it isn’t.

The millions spent compensating farmers should have been spent on vaccines – which work – instead of knee-jerk reactions based on winning votes.

My suggestion to C N Burkett?

When the trial culls take place (and be patient, they will), don’t go out at night. And if you have to, don’t wear anything with black and white stripes on it.

CHRIS BESTALL, Pleck Cottage, Monkland.