My feelings about the Irish referendum are a bit like my feelings

[Burney]

A fair amount, but perhaps not as much as you'd expect given that we're constantly told society is only a few steps away from resembling The Handmaid's Tale.

I think it may be another example of the soft bigotry of low expectations. People expect a country like Ireland to be unreconstructed in its views towards women, whereas the UK and America should know better.

Ireland only fully legalised contraception in 1985; decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 and finally allowed divorce in 1995.

Those low expectations are FULLY merited.

Ireland is a backwards dungheap.

[Ash]

Ireland only fully legalised contraception in 1985; decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 and finally allowed divorce in 1995.

Those low expectations are FULLY merited.

Ireland is a backwards dungheap.

If you were a real conservative you'd see those as three steps backward.

[Burney]

If you were a real conservative you'd see those as three steps backward.

I’ve never claimed to be a conservative - merely a Conservative.

[redgunamo]

I’ve never claimed to be a conservative - merely a Conservative.

And there's the rub; by the time a man appreciates the difference, it's too late to do anything about it.

[SWv2]

Ireland only fully legalised contraception in 1985; decriminalised homosexuality in 1993 and finally allowed divorce in 1995.

Those low expectations are FULLY merited.

Ireland is a backwards dungheap.

I really must object.

[Burney]

I really must object.

You certainly may object, sw, but the evidence supports my argument, I’m afraid. Facts don’t care about your feelings.