For the love of God, why not commit that mortal sin called optimism

SOMEWHERE in the last few days, someone pressed the optimism button.

Up to then it was practically illegal to say anything that wasn’t bitter, twisted, pessimistic and vengeful against bankers, developers and politicians. Then, overnight, people started exhorting us to show a bit of fighting spirit, drum up a little glee, dance in the rain or high-tail it to the sunny side of the street and basically make like Pollyanna crossed with a smile badge.

Bill Clinton will probably get the credit for it, having hoarsely advised us all to pull together. I’m not desperately clear who I’m supposed to pull together with and to what purpose, but it had a seductive ring to it, as does anything said by the former president, even his confessions. For example, last week, the Irish media nearly fell over when he casually apologised for his hoarseness and blamed it on staying up too late the night before.