SANDRA Gidley, Liberal Democrat MP for Romsey, was the guest speaker at a recent dinner at Antonio's restaurant in Fareham.

Her talk on the day-to-day programme of hard-working constituency MPs was a refreshing antidote to the stories of money-grubbing by some parliamentarians which have so disgusted us in recent months.

Sandra's seat is one of the most marginal in the country, but she clearly gives wonderful value to her constituents and we trust they will return her with a big majority at the coming general election.

It was interesting to hear Sandra, who was a strong supporter of fellow Hampshire MP Chris Huhne in the party's leadership election, tell of her growing admiration for the way Nick Clegg is leading the party. Nick speaks his own mind, she told us, but he is not afraid to let powerful speakers like Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne and deputy leader Vince Cable take the limelight on their areas of expertise.

The result is a growing awareness both in Parliament and in the country of the strength of the Liberal Democrat team.

Lib Dem members from Fareham, Gosport and Stubbington/Hill Head enjoyed a selection of Antonio's fabulous Spanish cuisine, and we offer our hearty thanks to Tony Piniero and his team for their hospitality.

Antonio's sponsors a number of local sports clubs, and it's great to see a successful business playing such a supportive role in the community.