HERE’S WILLIE O’Dea, speaking on the Credit Guarantee Bill on Wednesday evening: “The attitude of the banks to Irish business reminds me of the famous scene from The Simpsons where Moe, the tavern owner, seeks a loan and is advised by the bank that he cannot have one because it doesn’t like either his collateral or his cash-flow projections.

“Eventually, he is directed to the leader of the local Mafia, who offers him a loan.

“However, the latter also does not like his collateral or his cash-flow projections and states that while the money will be provided, the Mafia will have to take the preliminary precaution of breaking Moe’s arms and legs in advance.”

Well, that’s one way of looking at it.

And Willie – a Simpsons fan. Who’d have thought it?

Of course, as a politician, Deputy O’Dea would also be familiar with the famous catchphrase of Bart Simpson: “I didn’t do it. Nobody saw me do it. You can’t prove anything!”

A defence, sadly, which didn’t work for Fianna Fáil at the last election.