European elections

Sir, – Stephen Collins suggests that Irish voters should take the European elections seriously and not return “characters” in the upcoming elections (“Sending Eurosceptics to Strasbourg could do country real harm,” Opinion & Analysis, April 19th). The basis of any democracy is debate and the questioning of proposed legislation.

Rather than doing the country harm, the election of MEPs of different points of view will safeguard Ireland’s interests and, in the long run, strengthen democracy in the EU. – Yours, etc,

JOHN LINEHAN,

Mallow,

Supermarket wines: Two great Italian wines to try

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Brendan O’Connor brings his contrary streak to a cosy conversation about immigration

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Northampton’s rise to the last four: Bulking up, defensive steel and attacking prowess

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John FitzGerald: An attempt to buy the next election with a giveaway budget would be a gross miscalculation

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Co Cork.

Sir, – Stephen Collins states that the EU freedoms of movement of people, goods, capital and services have underpinned the transformation of Ireland into a wealthy economy.

The truth is that our abuse of these freedoms, particularly capital and services, to become one of the world’s largest tax havens, is doing huge damage to poorer nations, while the wealth accrues mainly to the financial services industry and those it advises. – Yours, etc,

PAUL CONNOLLY,

Cavan.