On May 11, 2017, Michel Barnier addressed a rare joint sitting of the Oireachtas, less than two weeks after receiving a mandate from EU leaders to launch Brexit talks with the UK. With a few words of French, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl greeted the European Commission’s chief negotiator who held the branch of his glasses to his mouth, looking every bit the consummate European politician. Ó Fearghaíl then invited him to enter the chamber and deliver his speech. In return, Barnier praised Ó Fearghaíl for his French and performed the expected Seamus Heaney quote – from Beacons at Bealtaine,…

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