Macron’s victory

Sir, – Emmanuel Macron is rightfully celebrating his re-election, a rare achievement in modern French politics. A Le Pen win would seem irreconcilable with a functioning EU.

It has to be noted that four years ago she took 33 per cent of the vote, and now has gained 8 per cent to reach 41.5 per cent. A similar gain in four years would see her elected.

As the Brexit and Trump votes once seemed unimaginable – until they required no imagining – a further Le Pen challenge will likely be stronger and must now be expected. – Yours, etc,

BRIAN O’BRIEN,

Refugees and housing crisis

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The Russian ambassador

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Tender plants and hardening off

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Housing crisis – living above the shop

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Kinsale,

Co Cork.