Give each of us a copy of the legally binding agreement and stop trying to kick sand in our eyes

“HERE be dragons” is what the cartographers of the ancient world wrote on the edges of their maps when they came to unknown oceans and lands.

It would be a good idea to consider the credentials of Irish politicians now urging us to vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty in a jolly and confident sort of “come on in, the water’s lovely” tone, although some less nonchalant observers have put up signs advising the reckless to “beware of sharks“.

As the politicians now cheerleading for the Lisbon Treaty are, by and large, the same people who either sat complacently in the Dáil or wallowed in the excesses of bankers, builders and others of consequence, I have to wonder at their unmitigated gall in expecting anyone to believe a word they say.