SIR, The campaigns for the general election have started. The argument between the Welsh Health Minister and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is testament to that. Labour is terrified that it may lose its credibility on the NHS, which would be a catastrophe for the party. However, in the media frenzy which we have all observed over the past week, there is a larger issue which has not been discussed. The real tragedy is that we need to analyse the situation of the NHS much needed reform across the nations. It is imperative that a future government analyses the challenges we face as a country. Such as the financial costs in our age of economic uncertainty and high taxation. And the demographic situation we face. We have an ageing population which is a ticking time bomb in our public finances. We all want medical treatment for ourselves and our families. Nonetheless, whatever policy package a party delivers must be realistic and rooted in two key principles. On one hand patients must take more responsibility for their health; however, on the other hand we must not lose the compassion which makes our country the great place it is. Honesty and courage in this matter is essential! I do not trust the ability of Welsh Labour which is in power in Wales to move beyond in-fighting and damage control, towards analysis and policies which recognise 21st century challenges. We should have no illusions. The Welsh Government does operate a system of nepotism within its Cabinet. It will not stop quoting Aneurin Bevan in order to mask failure. We all deserve better. We must not be afraid to condemn people who abuse the NHS, nor should we seriously consider reducing taxes in some areas for the majority and charging patients for some services. Economic growth and healthcare go together. This is not a subject of left vs right wing politics, or public vs private health services. I am tired of the old politics and want good policies instead. The first step is acknowledging the underlying challenges and then facing them head on. Mat Davies (Monmouth)