4 MAY 2002, Page 32

Taki's pleasure

From Mr Tom Phillips Sir: I know Taki from the Big Bagel. We had a famous row at Elaine's over the use of an alleged cellphone. Nevertheless, I am fond of him and the dispute was resolved in the pages of the New York press.

However, knowing Taki, I suspect he is feigning support for Le Pen to help gin up his so-called rightist creds (High life, 27 April). The true pleasure that Taki, and many in the USA, get over Le Pen's success is to witness the pain of the odious French Left.

Torn Phillips

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