Our government and diplomats have their work cut out now
Avoiding clichés such as “seismic”. “historic” and “game-changing” is difficult when describing or analysing the democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom to leave the EU. The legal and political process of withdrawal will take years – years of uncertainty. Uncertainty is bad for our economic growth and investment. Until the UK’s trading […]
Is there any way back from the Brexit brink?
Apparently, nobody, but nobody, is willing to publicly contemplate a re-running of the Brexit referendum in the same way the Nice and Lisbon treaties referendums were re-run in Ireland. As of now, the idea is toxic. And no contender for political high office is willing even to mention a re-run as a possibility. And so […]
Parallels between Westminster and Kildare Street – starting with a vacuum at the top
In the order of importance of the world of real politics, the greatest priorities for England’s two largest parties are their respective leadership struggles. Everything must take second place until it is seen whether Theresa or Andrea emerges as leader of the Tories and until it is seen whether Jeremy or anybody else will emerge […]
Prejudice, not rationality, will decide #Brexit outcome – and the Irish have reason to be scared
There is an old and somewhat cynical definition for a referendum: “A referendum is a process whereby you get an answer you didn’t expect to a question you didn’t ask”.
Brexit would be gradual, planned and phased in
Brexit is viewed with grave apprehension here in Ireland – and with good reason. It would leave the Republic a member of the EU – bound, theoretically, on a journey of “ever closer union” with the other EU members – while our closest political ally in most EU matters and our greatest trading partner, the […]
Our ‘New Politics’ has caused a lurch to the Left
The reality of the “New Politics” is slowly emerging. Let’s look at some important issues. The Irish Constitution divides the powers of government into three categories – legislative, executive and judicial. These categories are not completely water-tight; but what is termed “the executive power of the State” is required to be “exercised by or on […]