Since the EU referendum came and went in 2016, leaving destruction and woe in its path, Ireland has been a thorn in the Eurosceptic’s side. What to do in order to avoid a hard border between north and south came to dominate negotiations between the UK and the EU during Theresa May’s premiership; one could […]
The bad takes on the Irish election just keep on coming from the right. Here are the most choice examples
Suddenly, everyone in the right of centre media is an expert on Irish politics – in their own minds anyhow. The fact that Irish politics means as much to the British centre-right all of a sudden is testament alone to how well they have played their hand in the Brexit negotiations so far – not […]
Why libertarianism doesn’t work and the progressive theory of history
Some people think I’m a libertarian. That’s because either libertarians think I’m one of them, or many on the left believe this to be my creed, which obviously makes me evil. But no, I’m not a libertarian. I used to describe myself as a classical liberal until that helpful term got hijacked by parts of […]
The western Left’s reaction to Buttigieg “winning” in Iowa tells us a lot about why the Right continues to be victorious
Mayor Pete hasn’t even won yet. Strangely, and in a major boost to Trump’s re-election hopes, the count in the Iowa Democrat presidential caucus continues on. This, however, has not stopped Bernie Sanders supporters across the west ganging up on Pete Buttigieg for daring to challenge their saviour in the Midwest. The whole thing is […]
Why being on the left in Britain is now as difficult as being on the right in America
It is really difficult to be right-wing in America. And by that I do not mean it is tricky for right-wing people to get on in the US; what I mean is, there is such a high bar to being considered truly right-wing in the States that is difficult to be right-wing enough to clear […]
Why our electoral system is actually so vulnerable to being gamed by bad guys
I’ll start off by saying that I am not hinting at nor openly accusing any campaign or political party of wrongdoing, technically legal or otherwise. I have no idea who has done what and I’m not interested in getting into the whole “yeah, but Vote Leave cheated” debate. I’m only here to tell you what […]
Another look at a post-Brexit trade deal with the US. The question is not whether it would be good or bad, but actually in any way achievable
An article in the Telegraph this morning declares, “US ready to negotiate free trade deal with UK ‘as soon as’ Britain quits the EU, says Trump envoy”. This, of course, has nothing to do with the timing of May having to come to terms with the EU on the Irish backstop question this very day. […]
Brexit, Italy and what the emotional heart of Leave is really about to the true Brexiteer
I am on an extended tour through the continent with my wife and three small children. To add perspective to the following story, they are six, four and one. So, you know, small kids. We have taken in France, Italy and now Austria, where I write this article. Throughout this adventure, I have learned some […]
Why is the British Right so incapable of understanding Trump’s motives? I think I finally get it
Over this weekend, I have found reading articles from right of centre news outlets about the Trump visit and its relationship to Brexit fascinating. They come from a place that can only be arrived at with either a total ignorance of or a wilful disregard for the entire trading history of the United States of […]
What will the USA be like when it’s not the world superpower any longer? What will their “age of reflection” look like?
I’m developing an idiosyncratic theory on how Trump’s presidency will be viewed twenty/thirty years hence: that it will oddly be looked upon as something that was good for the world, but a total disaster for America itself. Given this is the exact opposite of how his presidency is often discussed, by many of his detractors […]