The idea of Ireland leaving the EU is a non-issue in Irish politics and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. However, what is worth considering is whether the EU has left Ireland? To refresh our memories: joining was a very attractive prospect for Ireland: it helped remove us from the shadow of the … Continue reading Ireland and the EU — Who is leaving Whom?
Ursula von der Leyen
The Mess That Is The EU Today
Comment on The Politico Article “ 'A mess': EU Commission accused of overstepping on foreign policy” This was the title of an article in POLITICO (1.7.26) on an interview with former top EU diplomat Josep Borrell by by Jaccopo Barigazzi. It deserves noting at some length as it well illustrates the current state of governance … Continue reading The Mess That Is The EU Today
Sleepwalkers Into World War
It has been fashionable to talk of the World War of 1914 as resulting from sleep-walking by the European Powers. This, of course, is complete nonsense. Any reading of British accounts, including the insider memoirs of the illustrious Cabinet Secretary, Sir Maurice Hankey, shows that there was a well-worked out and purposeful plan for a Great War … Continue reading Sleepwalkers Into World War
An “À La Carte” EU?
The EU and the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen are very keen on Ukraine becoming a member of the Union. According to a report in Politico—a news agency that claims to be a survey of opinion across EU leaders and top officials—she has come up with an innovative way of … Continue reading An “À La Carte” EU?