Ireland must fight for the best deal

There is a 'damned if we do, damned if we don't' feeling about the prospect of a referendum on the new EU agreement. Voting yes would be to support what, on first appearances, is not a good deal, as the only solution it sees to Europe's woes is more and more austerity.

There is a crucial confusion here. Introducing sensible rules for national budgets would be no harm, even if this alone is ...