Ursula Von Der Leyen - addressing the Oireachtas yesterday. Opinions on her speech?

It doesn't matter though because it works. Irish collective insecurity is our greatest enemy, as Paddy loves a bit of praise, and he'll do anything to get it. Even if you're a great supporter of the union, I don't see how you can be so naive about how the EU views Ireland. Like all politicians they don't care about you, and aren't working for you, so it's beyond childlike to think that they love and appreciate Ireland, when we're nothing but a political tool to EU. I suppose all that gets in the way of the federal utopian views that many have, so we must pretend otherwise, and convince ourselves that politicians aren't politicians, and that they are deeply compassionate and caring people with nothing but love inside them.

Just seen the "loyal to your history and traditions" bit. What in the world is she on about? Irish traditions are all dying a fast death, unless of course she means stuff like Irish dancing, GAA, and hating the English? As they are the only traditions left.

I watched her full speech. Hard to disagree with any of it : she pointed out when Ireland joined in 1973, GDP per capita was half the EEC average and now it is double the EU average. In other words the country has gone from being one of the poorest in Europe to one of the richest in only 50 years. No amount of shouting from flag waving patriots can get away from that key point.

She stressed too that it was Irish innovation, skill and creativity that led to this huge turnaround : not just the simple fact of 'Ireland being in the EU'.

The government didn't build enough houses and apartments for the last 10-20 years, that's all it boils down to. It should have been obvious to anyone that with such a young population and net inward immigration there would be a need for huge house building initiatives, especially social housing.

From a simple chart got from Wiki -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_Republic_of_Ireland it would suggest that the EU has had a major contribution in the ability of Ireland to hold and attract more people to our shores.