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Marine Le Pen, whose grandfather Jean-Marie founded right-wing party Front National, said it was “perfectly legitimate” to bring in a similar ban to that of President Trump’s – which was blocked at the weekend. She spoke as right-wing candidate Francois Fillon’s popularity dwindles, with a latest poll showing two thirds of those asked want him to quit the race. She told French radio station Europe 1: “Why not (impose a Muslim ban)? It’s perfectly legitimate. The terror threat is higher than ever before; we need to protect our borders and improve border security. Mr Trump’s travel ban is purely a precautionary measure.

“A Muslim ban is not part of the Front National’s project, but it is worth debating and should not be dismissed. There is nothing scandalous about it.” Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing a 90-day ban affecting citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and a 120-day bar on all refugees, on January 27. But after huge uproar, judges blocked the ban. Ms Le Pen claimed the ban was “not at all” outrageous.

GETTY The French far-righter believes a migrant ban would be acceptable

She added: “Everyone is shocked to see that Mr Trump is making good on his campaign promises. It’s called democracy. He is an economic nationalist, and we plan to follow his lead and put France first.” The ultra-conservative MP also commented on scandal surrounding right-wing Presidential candidate Francois Fillon, who has been accused of paying his British wife Penelope hundreds of thousands of euros for a fake parliamentary job. So-called ‘Penelope Gate’ has seen Mr Fillon’s approval ratings dwindle.

A Muslim ban is not part of the Front National’s project, but it is worth debating and should not be dismissed Marion Le Pen, Front National

An IFOP poll published on Sunday in Le Journal du Dimanche, found 68 per cent of those asked want Mr Fillon to drop out of the presidential race. Ms Le Pen said embittered Mr Fillion supporters should shift their support to Marine Le Pen. She said: “Whoever steps into Mr Fillon’s shoes will not have won the popular vote. The Republicans have no plan B.

GETTY The young politician does not think the ban was outrageous