It may seem churlish to begin consideration of the spectacular Tory election victory in Washington but it seems unavoidable.

Goethe wrote in 1832, “I hate all bungling like sin. but most of all bungling in state affairs, which produce nothing but mischief to thousands and millions”.

The international rugby season just past — in an Irish context, the Six Nations — provoked the annual harrumphing over our anthem not being played at away games.