A letter in the mail (at the public’s expense namely paid for by Parliamentary Services) illiterately addressed to “Sir Robert Jones”, followed by “Dear Robert’, this from the local MP, invited me to a “get-together” to discuss issues of concern.
My issues of concern are first, why is this postage cost being met by the public when the underlying motive behind it is the MP’s interest in being re-elected?
Second; as I’ve referred to before, the ill-mannered familiarity of “Dear Robert”.
I’m not precious about these things but am also a fan of courtesy. Writing to strangers, this in fairness by the MP’s half-witted secretary and addressing then by their Christian name is not being old-fashioned but simply discourteous, and thus not conducive to support.
That said, I won’t name the MP, rather I’ll simply say in his place, I’d ensure the goose he has addressing these overtures, is educated about common courtesy. In his place, I, knowing the likelihood of such gaffes, would have educated the girl on this.