I WOULD like to express my unconditional support, as should have been given to our hardworking train guards, to the workforce of our World-famous shipyard.

As a retired senior Unilever manager I am not so stupid as to expect a private company to sustain operating losses on a long-term basis, however I would implore Laird's senior management to consider what Billy Lever would have advised John Laird who (leaving Johnny King aside) were two of our town's greatest if they discussed today's impasse 150 years ago...

"Hey Johno, in a highly-skilled game like yours the workers are your greatest assets"...

"Yer Billy lad, but I can't afford to pay 'em"...

"trust me Johno, I know about these things, you can't afford not to!!"

Think hard all of you involved in this dispute, short-term gain can mean long-term pain.

We already have enough deprivation in our once great town and I would implore Laird's management to factor in the collective contribution your workforce has made to your hard-earned and desperately needed resurgence.

Best Wishes to all involved.

Bill McGenity. Labour candidate. Birkenhead and Tranmere