Madam, - Steve Coronella's attempt to explain why Europeans don't understand America (Opinion & Analysis, July 3rd) demonstrates his own lack of understanding of Europe.
His claim that the EU is attempting to define a national identity at the expense of national cultures is completely unfounded. That "Europeans will always consider themselves Italian, French, or indeed Irish, first and foremost" is exactly what the EU wishes. What possible benefits are there to anyone in diluting our rich culture heritages? The EU motto "United in Diversity" best expresses our relationship with Europe.
His other assertion is equally unfounded: that the EU institutions are somehow eroding national identities. The argument is as weak as claiming that the federal US Congress makes Texans feel less Texan. Our own sovereign Oireachtas has far more power than a state legislator in the US, but I'm sure Texans are just as proud of their identity as the Irish are. - Yours, etc,
PAUL O'BRIEN, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.