Niall Ó Conghaile
@nialloconghaile.bsky.social
🇪🇺
European.
Views my own; RT = interest, not endorsement.
European.
Views my own; RT = interest, not endorsement.
Ad at a tram stop.
France rocks!
France rocks!
November 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Ad at a tram stop.
France rocks!
France rocks!
Well well. Look who's in my replies supporting negotiations as 28, treating third-country UK as a member, sidelining Bxl, and taking the anti-🇪🇺 stance
The Emir of Exceptionalism himself, @andrewhesselden.bsky.social
Tell me, have you ever taken a pro-🇪🇺 position?
The Emir of Exceptionalism himself, @andrewhesselden.bsky.social
Tell me, have you ever taken a pro-🇪🇺 position?
November 24, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Well well. Look who's in my replies supporting negotiations as 28, treating third-country UK as a member, sidelining Bxl, and taking the anti-🇪🇺 stance
The Emir of Exceptionalism himself, @andrewhesselden.bsky.social
Tell me, have you ever taken a pro-🇪🇺 position?
The Emir of Exceptionalism himself, @andrewhesselden.bsky.social
Tell me, have you ever taken a pro-🇪🇺 position?
Devastating article from @eastangliabylines.co.uk
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
November 23, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Devastating article from @eastangliabylines.co.uk
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
Leaving Europe was, and remains, a very bad idea. Let's hope the UK is returning to rationality.
@pecksniffsdiary.bsky.social
@peterthurlow.bsky.social
@annadamski.bsky.social
eastangliabylines.co.uk/news/brexit/...
And even with a big gesture, Mr Freedland is wrong about this reaction. It won't be Meloni and Sánchez getting stuck in directly with Stamer and. Milliband to hammer out a compromise.
That is David-Davis-esque fantasy, and of course would directly harm European unity.
7
That is David-Davis-esque fantasy, and of course would directly harm European unity.
7
November 23, 2025 at 8:14 AM
And even with a big gesture, Mr Freedland is wrong about this reaction. It won't be Meloni and Sánchez getting stuck in directly with Stamer and. Milliband to hammer out a compromise.
That is David-Davis-esque fantasy, and of course would directly harm European unity.
7
That is David-Davis-esque fantasy, and of course would directly harm European unity.
7
(most likely budget contributions and FoM too)
Mr Freedland is right, a big gesture by UKG will unlock new possibilities. But those new possibilities are going to look far more like SM by Association (like Andorra) than a special deal.
It's not in Europe's interests to make Brexit work
6
Mr Freedland is right, a big gesture by UKG will unlock new possibilities. But those new possibilities are going to look far more like SM by Association (like Andorra) than a special deal.
It's not in Europe's interests to make Brexit work
6
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
(most likely budget contributions and FoM too)
Mr Freedland is right, a big gesture by UKG will unlock new possibilities. But those new possibilities are going to look far more like SM by Association (like Andorra) than a special deal.
It's not in Europe's interests to make Brexit work
6
Mr Freedland is right, a big gesture by UKG will unlock new possibilities. But those new possibilities are going to look far more like SM by Association (like Andorra) than a special deal.
It's not in Europe's interests to make Brexit work
6
This has made meaningful growth hard (the growth is coming from adding millions of people through immigration, which UKG intends to stop)
Mr Freedland is right to say the UK has to drop the redlines.
But that won't change the fundamentals on the European side.
4
Mr Freedland is right to say the UK has to drop the redlines.
But that won't change the fundamentals on the European side.
4
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
This has made meaningful growth hard (the growth is coming from adding millions of people through immigration, which UKG intends to stop)
Mr Freedland is right to say the UK has to drop the redlines.
But that won't change the fundamentals on the European side.
4
Mr Freedland is right to say the UK has to drop the redlines.
But that won't change the fundamentals on the European side.
4
So what are we actually talking about here?
Mr Freedlamd is right to make the connection explicitly between the UK's parlous situation and Brexit, and to wish for a UKG to speak directly about this
On top of structural issues, the UK has added Brexit friction
3
Mr Freedlamd is right to make the connection explicitly between the UK's parlous situation and Brexit, and to wish for a UKG to speak directly about this
On top of structural issues, the UK has added Brexit friction
3
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
So what are we actually talking about here?
Mr Freedlamd is right to make the connection explicitly between the UK's parlous situation and Brexit, and to wish for a UKG to speak directly about this
On top of structural issues, the UK has added Brexit friction
3
Mr Freedlamd is right to make the connection explicitly between the UK's parlous situation and Brexit, and to wish for a UKG to speak directly about this
On top of structural issues, the UK has added Brexit friction
3
Jon Freedlamd in the G.
Are these on offer?
The customs union is reserved for members. Full stop. So not that.
And SM for goods only? Europe will wanr ita own say in how the UK integrates. It won't just allow cherry-picking.
1
Are these on offer?
The customs union is reserved for members. Full stop. So not that.
And SM for goods only? Europe will wanr ita own say in how the UK integrates. It won't just allow cherry-picking.
1
November 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Jon Freedlamd in the G.
Are these on offer?
The customs union is reserved for members. Full stop. So not that.
And SM for goods only? Europe will wanr ita own say in how the UK integrates. It won't just allow cherry-picking.
1
Are these on offer?
The customs union is reserved for members. Full stop. So not that.
And SM for goods only? Europe will wanr ita own say in how the UK integrates. It won't just allow cherry-picking.
1
Life's mysteries.
Why are reheated roasties fine, but reheated chips manky? Even cold roasties are acceptable, but cold chips...
Answers on a postcard
Have a great weekend.
Why are reheated roasties fine, but reheated chips manky? Even cold roasties are acceptable, but cold chips...
Answers on a postcard
Have a great weekend.
November 21, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Life's mysteries.
Why are reheated roasties fine, but reheated chips manky? Even cold roasties are acceptable, but cold chips...
Answers on a postcard
Have a great weekend.
Why are reheated roasties fine, but reheated chips manky? Even cold roasties are acceptable, but cold chips...
Answers on a postcard
Have a great weekend.
Let me finish by saying, there is no need for rancoeur, and nobody should interpret this thread as an excuse to have a go at Britons or to bring up old grievances.
The hostility of Brexiters and exceptionalists in the UK towards Irish people is not universal or even majority. Smile confidently
17
The hostility of Brexiters and exceptionalists in the UK towards Irish people is not universal or even majority. Smile confidently
17
November 21, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Let me finish by saying, there is no need for rancoeur, and nobody should interpret this thread as an excuse to have a go at Britons or to bring up old grievances.
The hostility of Brexiters and exceptionalists in the UK towards Irish people is not universal or even majority. Smile confidently
17
The hostility of Brexiters and exceptionalists in the UK towards Irish people is not universal or even majority. Smile confidently
17
The final step in this process? A united Ireland, firstly, allowing a "normal" post-postcolonial economy, among many other things.
A UK inside the European single market, and trade resuming.
And warm relations between Ireland and the UK again.
16
A UK inside the European single market, and trade resuming.
And warm relations between Ireland and the UK again.
16
November 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The final step in this process? A united Ireland, firstly, allowing a "normal" post-postcolonial economy, among many other things.
A UK inside the European single market, and trade resuming.
And warm relations between Ireland and the UK again.
16
A UK inside the European single market, and trade resuming.
And warm relations between Ireland and the UK again.
16
Brexit did bring back all the bad feelings and worries of the past. The way Ireland and its leaders were spoken about was shocking. But it was a callback. It was people shaped by the UK's experience of colonialism and by ignorance. It was a will to dismiss.
It was not where we should be,
15
It was not where we should be,
15
November 21, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Brexit did bring back all the bad feelings and worries of the past. The way Ireland and its leaders were spoken about was shocking. But it was a callback. It was people shaped by the UK's experience of colonialism and by ignorance. It was a will to dismiss.
It was not where we should be,
15
It was not where we should be,
15
Through all this, voters were patient. At no point - none - did anyone suggest Irl should leave. That was in the UK exceptionalists' heads.
What this recalibration meant was that Ireland threw off some of the last dependences on the UK economy, such as transport.
14
What this recalibration meant was that Ireland threw off some of the last dependences on the UK economy, such as transport.
14
November 21, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Through all this, voters were patient. At no point - none - did anyone suggest Irl should leave. That was in the UK exceptionalists' heads.
What this recalibration meant was that Ireland threw off some of the last dependences on the UK economy, such as transport.
14
What this recalibration meant was that Ireland threw off some of the last dependences on the UK economy, such as transport.
14
It should be added, the support from Bxl, and from MSs like France, Spain, Germany, Nlands, Sweden, and so on had been absolutely stellar. Ireland found it could count on Europe.
There would be no return to the past of dealign with the UK alone.
13
There would be no return to the past of dealign with the UK alone.
13
November 21, 2025 at 12:56 PM
It should be added, the support from Bxl, and from MSs like France, Spain, Germany, Nlands, Sweden, and so on had been absolutely stellar. Ireland found it could count on Europe.
There would be no return to the past of dealign with the UK alone.
13
There would be no return to the past of dealign with the UK alone.
13
The recalibration of the economy had to take place. Ireland spent Brexit looking for new markets, because the situation was volitile.
Irish business switched to non-UK suppliers.
Farmers started making jarlsberg or mozarella instead of cheddar.
12
Irish business switched to non-UK suppliers.
Farmers started making jarlsberg or mozarella instead of cheddar.
12
November 21, 2025 at 12:56 PM
The recalibration of the economy had to take place. Ireland spent Brexit looking for new markets, because the situation was volitile.
Irish business switched to non-UK suppliers.
Farmers started making jarlsberg or mozarella instead of cheddar.
12
Irish business switched to non-UK suppliers.
Farmers started making jarlsberg or mozarella instead of cheddar.
12
There was no arrogance. All parties were informed, gave input and pulled together, along with the civil service and the diplomatic corps. They were realistic, and set out simple, clear goals, and set about winning support for them at home and abroad.
They showed people what was at stake.
11
They showed people what was at stake.
11
November 21, 2025 at 12:51 PM
There was no arrogance. All parties were informed, gave input and pulled together, along with the civil service and the diplomatic corps. They were realistic, and set out simple, clear goals, and set about winning support for them at home and abroad.
They showed people what was at stake.
11
They showed people what was at stake.
11
Then Brexit
Ireland's reaction was the polar opposite of the UK. It saw the existential challenge presented by the UK's quitting. It had joined in 73 on the UK's coattails (as indeed had DK). Different story
In 2016, like with European integration, Ireland was confident in finding its own path
10
Ireland's reaction was the polar opposite of the UK. It saw the existential challenge presented by the UK's quitting. It had joined in 73 on the UK's coattails (as indeed had DK). Different story
In 2016, like with European integration, Ireland was confident in finding its own path
10
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Then Brexit
Ireland's reaction was the polar opposite of the UK. It saw the existential challenge presented by the UK's quitting. It had joined in 73 on the UK's coattails (as indeed had DK). Different story
In 2016, like with European integration, Ireland was confident in finding its own path
10
Ireland's reaction was the polar opposite of the UK. It saw the existential challenge presented by the UK's quitting. It had joined in 73 on the UK's coattails (as indeed had DK). Different story
In 2016, like with European integration, Ireland was confident in finding its own path
10
That should be seen as a catching up with European neighbours, but also as a large period of a loosening of the chains of the colonial economy. UK-Irish relations in Europe were normalised, helped of course by peace (and efforts and patience on the part of both UK and Irl govs)
9
9
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
That should be seen as a catching up with European neighbours, but also as a large period of a loosening of the chains of the colonial economy. UK-Irish relations in Europe were normalised, helped of course by peace (and efforts and patience on the part of both UK and Irl govs)
9
9
The European single market (1992) allowed Ireland to truly refocus its trade away from the colonial motherland (😉) to its European partners and the US.
With its focus on education, Ireland had a young, educated population who could stay and have a life by the time of the Celtic Tiger.
8
With its focus on education, Ireland had a young, educated population who could stay and have a life by the time of the Celtic Tiger.
8
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The European single market (1992) allowed Ireland to truly refocus its trade away from the colonial motherland (😉) to its European partners and the US.
With its focus on education, Ireland had a young, educated population who could stay and have a life by the time of the Celtic Tiger.
8
With its focus on education, Ireland had a young, educated population who could stay and have a life by the time of the Celtic Tiger.
8
The key moment in this was European accession in 1973, which allowed Ireland a seat at the table. (It was also an equal with the UK, vital in terms of rebuilidng confidence)
The 1980s led to the initial expansion of FDI and a raft of new domestic companies that would grow into the future.
7
The 1980s led to the initial expansion of FDI and a raft of new domestic companies that would grow into the future.
7
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The key moment in this was European accession in 1973, which allowed Ireland a seat at the table. (It was also an equal with the UK, vital in terms of rebuilidng confidence)
The 1980s led to the initial expansion of FDI and a raft of new domestic companies that would grow into the future.
7
The 1980s led to the initial expansion of FDI and a raft of new domestic companies that would grow into the future.
7
At independence, Ireland did over 95% of its trade with the UK. And that trade continued in the colonial pattern - primary goods out, secondary goods it.
At the time, all the state could think about was surviving. But later it moved to widen the trade scope.
6
At the time, all the state could think about was surviving. But later it moved to widen the trade scope.
6
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
At independence, Ireland did over 95% of its trade with the UK. And that trade continued in the colonial pattern - primary goods out, secondary goods it.
At the time, all the state could think about was surviving. But later it moved to widen the trade scope.
6
At the time, all the state could think about was surviving. But later it moved to widen the trade scope.
6
But the economy was left broken and wholly dependent on the motherland (many countries around the world can surely attest to how European colonialism warped them)
But also psychologically, a colonised state lacks confidence, leadership, and the ability to assert itself away from the coloniser.
5
But also psychologically, a colonised state lacks confidence, leadership, and the ability to assert itself away from the coloniser.
5
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
But the economy was left broken and wholly dependent on the motherland (many countries around the world can surely attest to how European colonialism warped them)
But also psychologically, a colonised state lacks confidence, leadership, and the ability to assert itself away from the coloniser.
5
But also psychologically, a colonised state lacks confidence, leadership, and the ability to assert itself away from the coloniser.
5
And use of the indigenous population as cheap labour, either in the colony or in the metropole.
The effect was catastrophic in terms of Ireland's people (dead, fled, or impoverished) or land (denuded of tress to build the Royal Navy, or of people for extensive grazing)
4
The effect was catastrophic in terms of Ireland's people (dead, fled, or impoverished) or land (denuded of tress to build the Royal Navy, or of people for extensive grazing)
4
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
And use of the indigenous population as cheap labour, either in the colony or in the metropole.
The effect was catastrophic in terms of Ireland's people (dead, fled, or impoverished) or land (denuded of tress to build the Royal Navy, or of people for extensive grazing)
4
The effect was catastrophic in terms of Ireland's people (dead, fled, or impoverished) or land (denuded of tress to build the Royal Navy, or of people for extensive grazing)
4
Economy and culture are key.
Ireland was the test bed of colonisation for the English crown. That involved "planting" (taking land and putting in settlers from outside, as later used in North America); extraction or raw materials and destruction of manufacturing and services (mercantilism);
3
Ireland was the test bed of colonisation for the English crown. That involved "planting" (taking land and putting in settlers from outside, as later used in North America); extraction or raw materials and destruction of manufacturing and services (mercantilism);
3
November 21, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Economy and culture are key.
Ireland was the test bed of colonisation for the English crown. That involved "planting" (taking land and putting in settlers from outside, as later used in North America); extraction or raw materials and destruction of manufacturing and services (mercantilism);
3
Ireland was the test bed of colonisation for the English crown. That involved "planting" (taking land and putting in settlers from outside, as later used in North America); extraction or raw materials and destruction of manufacturing and services (mercantilism);
3