Tempers ran a bit high among and about the Irish in Europe this week, and we all know why. At the Parliament in Strasbourg, British eurosceptic Roger Helmer commended Ireland's "wise and far-sighted decision" which, he said, struck a blow for national freedom and independence. He had particular praise for Dana/Rosemary Scallon. His fellow group member, FG's Joe McCartin, who had a couple of run-ins with Dana during the week when she was expelled from the group for her No stance, said he was delighted Helmer now agreed that freedom was a good thing for Ireland. "Madam President," said McCartin, "one thing that makes my heart very glad is to hear the last unreconstructed Tory of the 17th century agree at last that freedom is a good thing for Ireland." (Applause from members).
Later in the week, Jean Marie Le Pen of the French National Front complimented the Irish on their decision. His colleague Bruno Gallinisch waved a Irish Tricolour as his leader spoke. FF's Jim Fitzsimmons took offence at this. The Irish people, he said, had made a democratic decision and they would deal with it in their own way and in their own time.
Gallinisch's action was an abuse of the Irish national flag and all it stood for. (Applause from members.)