PETER Nielsen's analysis (You Say, September 23) that the future in Europe "belongs to the Socialists" is somewhat one-sided.
The European Social Model, which he applauds so highly, certainly gives extra rights to protect those already working.
The extra costs are borne by businesses. In order to stay competitive, EU companies avoid taking on more employees by investing in more machinery or simply moving their businesses outside Europe.
Meanwhile, the Socialist countries do not have enough money to pay their future pension commitments, and the Single Currency stays weak.
And because they feel that the State always knows best, they continue to promote the standard course of regulation, regulation, regulation.
Continental unemployment stays high; the young and the old lose out; the poor stay poor.
The future of Europe does not "belong" to any ideology, least of all Socialism.The people deserve better, and Centre-Right parties throughout the EU will continue to fight on their behalf.
PHILIP BUSHILL-MATTHEWS MEP,
European Parliament, Brussels.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article