REGARDING "Tony's Euro U-turn", Councillor D Pearson (Letters, March 2) like a one-handed driver, forgets that U-turns are all about changing direction before you crash into a cul-de-sac.

And on the topic of politicians' quotes, I seem to remember the mantra of the Tory Party which went: "We are at the heart of Europe and that is where we will remain."

John Major certainly believed this and his "Don't tie my hands while I'm negotiating in Europe" points towards monetary convergence and the establishment of the euro under the provisions of the Maastricht Treaty.

Still, I forgot that since William Hague became leader, tying up hands and, like a ballroom dancer, taking two steps backward seem to be the current thinking of what's left of "Old Toryism."

The euro, as the recent opinion polls have indicated has attracted the support of just under half of British voters.

Perhaps that tells both William Hague and Councillor Pearson that Damascene-like conversions are much more sensible than letting the incoming tide drown you.

But the only sound I can hear from them is "glug, glug, glug" as the Tory party desperately tries to bale out their sinking ship of "no surrender" and no compromise - not even when it's in their best interests.

DUNCAN McVEE, Robin Bank Road, Darwen.

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