RECENTLY, Tony Blair asked for dialogue between him and us. Well this is my dialogue.

It seems to me that the PM needs to come down from his Ivory Tower. People accused Margaret Thatcher of being out of touch. Is Mr Blair going down the same route?

I am not politically-minded, but as I get older, I see more and I get despondent. Surely all that Labour stood for is being eroded. Aren't they just Conservatives wearing red?

According to the Labour Government, it is easy to have a family and a career; to "live the dream" in this capitalist society. But you have to have a highly-paid job prior to parenthood so that you can just hire a child-minder and go straight back to work. This is fine if you are a barrister for example.

However, most people are faced with the dilemma: who do you trust? I have nothing against child-minders, but I didn't have a child to palm it off onto someone else while I go out and make money.

Like most others, I am not talking about accumulating "wealth", but just enough to hold my head above water, save for my daughter's education, and our retirement. So far the coffers for these last two remain empty.

So, you either stay at home until your child is old enough to be left on their own, or find part-time work which fits in with your spouse (if you have one). The knock-on effect is that your relationship can be jeopardised and life becomes very stressful.

I am well-educated, having been to college for six years. After becoming a parent relatively late, at 34, I now find that the only work I am seemingly fit for is crossing warden or school dinner supervisor. These are worthy professions but surely there must be more to life than this?

I have no family nearby to look after my child. I take her to school and pick her up. I take her to after-school activities such as swimming and dancing. I am there for her when she is ill and off school. I am not complaining. I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I enjoy parenthood. I just want to be given a chance to do a fulfilling job. People say that I do well to fill my days so industriously. How patronising!

My husband works away a lot in the week, therefore I cannot commit to any job in the week offering "normal" hours. I currently work in a local shop at weekends. The result of this is that I don't get to see my family together when they are at home. The strain is unbearable at times.

Where are all the jobs that people can do from home? Where are the jobs that offer term-time contracts? Why can't I find a satisfactory career? Where are all these employers crying out for skilled employees? Am I really too old at 40?

The reward for me of not working is the happiness of my child, and seeing how much she has benefited from my being at home. She is a bright, well-rounded, caring individual, of whom I am very proud. Of course, all parents whether working or not would feel that.

I have been told to re-train. Fair enough, but college starts at 9am or finishes at 4pm, so who picks up my child? OK, so I could study from home: but has anyone seen the cost of home study courses? I have never been on benefits, and I don't want handouts, just the opportunity to do a worthwhile job and to be proud of my achievements.

I know of many mums and dads in the same predicament. There must be a whole army of us, nationwide, all seeking employment which fits around our children's schooling. We are all frustrated at the system. We are the forgotten workforce.

In the 1950s, and even in the 1960s, women were expected to sit at home and make jam. Surely there is something more we can offer now?

J. LEONARD (Mrs)