Time for us to fight back against ‘EU partners’

WE should be grateful to Commissioner Gunther Oettinger for his recent comments suggesting that Ireland’s flag should be flown at half mast around EU institutions, for what they tell us about the reality of our political situation.

Having been bullied into bailing out German banks for their reckless and irresponsible investments, both the previous and current governments have been operating on the false premise that the bullies would respect us for handing over our wealth.

What our governments have failed to realise is the truth that every schoolchild learns — namely that giving in to bullies makes them take more and respect you less.