When is a debate not a debate? Yet integration makes many wary: Labour’s Dominic Hannigan speaks of losing an ally in Britain against Europe’s “federalist” inclinations. A noisome firebrand, a millionaire who appears to be in dire need of a new hobby, Casey in this debate comes across a little like the horse that has thrown its rider: disruptive, attention-grabbing and all over the place. This has the unfortunate consequence of making the debate less about Europe (which never fires anyone’s passions) and much more about Peter Casey. Whether there are votes in appealing to our better, more co-operative selves, or pandering to prejudices, is something the election may determine.

Source: The Irish Times May 22, 2019 13:00 UTC