The Lisbon treaty - Vote yes for Europe — and Ireland

THE MAJORITY of Irish people have been a la carte Catholics for several decades and it seems we are perilously close to becoming a la carte Europeans.

Just as we became selective about Catholicism because of the shameless hypocrisy and the litany of sexual abuse once hidden or ignored by the Catholic hierarchy, we seem to be contemplating a future as diminished, part-time Europeans because we no longer trust or respect all of those who advocate a yes vote. We are, it seems, heading for a photo finish in a tight race because so many of us no longer trust our politicians.

Before Mr Ahern’s leadership ended, virtually every member of the cabinet stood before us defending the indefensible. They assured us we were lucky to be led by a great statesman. That pitiful delusion now exacts its price as the credibility of those who supported it struggle to convince a sceptical electorate to vote yes.