Brussels briefing

A dazzling performance by Michael D

President Michael D Higgins dazzled the European Parliamentarians with his address during the week, getting them on side by repeatedly underlining their institution’s democratic credentials.

Even the admittedly sparse members of the austerity-prone centre right EPP present rose to their feet at the end of his address where he warned of the threat posed to democracy by their dancing to the tune of credit rating agencies rather than acting for the good of the voters.