Gotten over the feeling of elation following Ireland's rejection of the European Constitution Lisbon Treaty yet? No? Neither have I.
For that success, much of the credit must go to Declan Ganley, a 39 year old London-born, Galway-based entrepreneur who, despite being outspent twenty to one, managed to snatch a last minute victory for the "no" campaign from the jaws of defeat.
He is profiled here, here and here.
Reading the numerous profiles of Mr Ganley and watching his media appearances, what I am most struck by is the simplicity and accessibility of his arguments. Whilst his opponents in the "yes" camp focussed on complex policy issues his message was tightly focussed on the Treaty's ability to hit people's pay packets, jobs and protecting Ireland's way of life from the "bullying" of the domestic and external political establishment.
I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking that the British Eurosceptic movement, despite having the overwhelming majority of public opinion behind it, lacks a young, articulate and instantly likable figure from outside the tawdry world of politics to help make its case. In Mr Ganley, we appear to have the ideal blueprint.
