OH dear! I have been branded an idiot, together with many of your correspondents, for having the temerity not to agree with the smug, all knowing Mr Kyrle’s views on Europe.

I always thought that if your only argument was insults, then the argument was lost.

He is quite right, however, to say that debate is pointless as I, for one, will never change my mind. Would he?

Thank you, Mr Kyrle, for teaching us, the illiterati, the meaning of “bureaucrat”. I will try to use the word correctly in future.

I don’t need a lesson in semantics and don’t care whether they are called “bureaucrats” or money grubbing self-serving MEPs. The fact is that Europe (may I use that as a general term?) is interfering with more aspects of my life.

If I want to have a go at the incompetents who staff our town halls through the Echo’s columns, I will do so.

If I want to attend council meetings, I will do so.

J McARTHY, Hedge End.