I also have great difficulty with the McKenna judgement. Not long ago we had the referendum on Northern Ireland and although 100% of the Dáil and Seanad were in favour, we had to give a 50-50 viewpoint. Although there is clearly a problem, I would be slow to suggest changing the rules. We need professionalism on this.

The case can be made very well. It was very badly done by the “Yes” side and very cleverly done by the “No” side, which also used a lot of money. On that basis we must think this through. I am not sure how we can best handle it at this committee. I was interested to hear the Chairman say how the Committee of Public Accounts handled the DIRT investigation some years ago. It will not be easy.

Yesterday I returned from another visit to Brussels, where there is clearly a different viewpoint. There was a very interesting article in one of yesterday’s newspapers about a person who was almost reluctant to show his Irish passport because of how it was regarded. Although I voted “Yes”, in Brussels I found myself almost defending the “No” voters. I would begin to explain that we did not vote “No” because we did not like the European Union. Then I would stop because I am not quite sure what to say. We have a problem and it will not be easy but it is a reminder of the very clever use of marketing and how it can change attitudes.

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