27 FEBRUARY 1988, Page 23

Dim view

Sir: Peter Levi's outburst (Diary, 13 Feb- ruary) against Euro-MPs who put their photographs on their letterheads (Idiots .. too dim') could have been directed at me. The truth is that one has to use any means of impressing oneself on some 530,000 electors, since the, British press is so scornful and negative — as well as unreliable — concerning our activities.

As to idiocy or dimness, I would have to blame this on my education at the hands of the Dominicans. Their rule was very lax and they lacked the single-mindedness and consistency of the Jesuits. Indeed, the Jesuits (and Peter Levi used to be one) would say: `Ah, the Dominicans. Nice chaps, but you would not want your daughter to marry one.'

No doubt Peter, my sister-in-law's step- father, has seen one of my letters lying around. I am now thinking of putting him on my mailing list.

Edward McMillan-Scott

109 Town Street, Old Mahon, Yorkshire