DECLAN CASHIN,
Sir, - The uproar over the success of Jean Marie le Pen in the first round of the French presidential election is justified, and necessary to save France and Europe from the clutches of right-wing extremism. However, all European leaders and citizens should ask themselves why this man has done so well.
I do not believe that all those who voted for him are fascists and racists. They were just giving outward expression to deep concerns shared by many Europeans (the Irish very much included) about the future of the EU; the dubious merits of the euro; US foreign policy; and the unstable international legal status of immigrants and non-nationals.
I certainly do not agree with Le Pen's policies, but the fears to which he so ingeniously panders to are not going to disappear without the effective intervention of our leaders. Otherwise, in the future we will have to contend with many other candidates modelled on Le Pen, or even worse. - Yours, etc.,
DECLAN CASHIN,
Callan Road,
Kilkenny.
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Sir, - Is Le Pen mightier than le Vote? All those French people who went out to protest against Le Pen: instead of attacking the police and breaking windows, why don't they get off derrières and vote? Only 30 per cent of the French electorate bothered last Sunday. - Yours, etc.,
C.J.HARRINGTON,
Seabury Crescent,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
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Sir, - Is Jean-Marie Le Pen on the ball? And if so, does he have a point? -Yours, etc.
KEVIN CARROLL,
Waterpark Grove,
Carrigaline,
Co Cork.