The cynic in me wonders if there wasn’t a deal done. Ahern has, after all, been mentioned in connection with the EU presidency. It’s not like corruption would disqualify him… Santer Commission, anyone?

Well done, Tony Blair – the UK’s opt out on human rights issues so we can lock up terrorists on a whim has set a glorious precedent.

“Critics say the lobbyists have held far too much sway in the drafting of EU laws” – of course they have, because the Commission is massively understaffed, despite what anti-EU types claim, and they need all the help they can get

Of course he should – and should eventually be accepted. Though he’ll have to do something to boost his country’s economic and human rights records first…

“all this suggests that Europe has once again become a major dividing line between the parties, and crucially it is one that works to Labour’s advantage” – not so sure, after revolts over a referendum, but still…

Yes, he’s in favour (as am I, eventually). But somehow he fails to make a single positive argument for Turkish membership. Lots of assertion, lots of whimsy, but no actual argument… Odd.

Very handy quick overview of the major issues that may or may not soon affect both Europe and the world.