THERE are times, perhaps once every 30 years, when there is a sea change in politics.

Eurosceptic MEPs are set to enter the debate on Ireland’s referendum over the EU fiscal compact treaty in the coming days and will be sending vote no leaflets to homes nationwide.

Finnish voters dealt a blow to Europe’s plans to rescue Portugal and other debt-ridden economies, ousting the pro-bailout government and giving a major boost to a Eurosceptic nationalist party.