Divisive career

To his supporters Joerg Haider was a patriot who dared to speak uncomfortable truths. His critics saw him as an ambitious, racist opportunist who used anti-immigrant and pro-Nazi rhetoric to stir up populist sentiment. What is doubtless is that Haider - whose death in a car crash at the age of 58 leaves a widow and two daughters - had charisma. Commentators said he worked a room like former US President Bill Clinton, embracing supporters and using the familiar "du" form of address. Born in the Upper Austrian town of Bad Goisern in 1950, Joerg Haider's parents were very early members of the Nazi party, who moved to Germany where they became party officials. After the war, they were punished for their affiliations and forced to take up menial work. Critics say Haider's views were shaped by this background, although he said his... [read full story]