A former sociology professor, Mr Fortuyn was unknown outside the Netherlands until two months ago.

The Dublin-based former sociology lecturer was speaking ahead of the annual pilgrimage to the Connemara mountain of Maméan this Sunday.

There was nothing the effete, former sociology professor hated more than being cast in the same mould as the burly, former French paratrooper.

Other spots have played up Cardoso's image as an aloof son of privilege and former sociology professor who taught in France and the United States.