“IT’S remarkable that when there’s a threat that the State might have to spend money on something other than a minister’s extravagance - like somebody’s rights - there are colossal implications for the exchequer.”

Of course these colossal 'implications' (estimate circa € 2 Billion ) are taken far more seriously than the far larger 'implications' of the tax breaks ( €8 Billion plus ) discussed for those who don’t actually need to count their pennies , and Mr Brosnan highlights the Justice Minister’s laboured scare tactics aimed at Married couples presently enjoying a “ very, very generous tax regime” that would have to be reduced if and when ….

He writes of Ms Zappone and Ms Gilligan :

“Well, I wish them the best in their endeavours to get equality on tax, but they will need a lot of love to sustain the challenge. Their case is not just about the fairness or otherwise of the tax regime here, but also questions the traditional notion of marriage in the country.

Already, there are rosary beads rattling all over Ireland as heaven is assailed to save this institution, and the Knights of St Columbanus and Opus Dei are assembling for battle.”