Britain's place in Rumsfeld's Europe

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld sparked a heated debate when he described France and Germany as 'old Europe'.

At least he and President Bush stopped short of labelling them 'medieval Europe' or even 'feudal Europe'.

Mr Rumsfeld may have been right to call France and Germany 'old Europe', but he would be equally correct in describing the US coalition partner, Britain, as 'medieval Europe'.

After all, every second high-ranking military officer, politician, TV actor or football manager in Britain is either a sir or lord, not to mention all the dames. Medieval titles are more suitable to the feudal 13th century than 2003.

Compared to this 'medieval' European state, France and Germany don't seem that old at all. I wonder if Mr Rumsfeld would agree?

Dominic Macmahon,

Cloona,

Newmarket-on-Fergus,

Co Clare