Constitutional Pride

Quote of the day from a fascinating talk delivered by Judge Gerard Hogan to the Constitutional Convention:

18. While, therefore, some of the criticisms of the Constitution’s more contentious clauses are all too well-founded, the criticisms directed at the bulk of the document generally are not. It appears to be another example of all-too typically Irish characteristics of negativity, lack of self-belief and lack of civic pride in our institutions and in our own achievements.

His explanation of the European origins of our constitution is a healthy antidote to the Anglocentric manner in which our Commentariat tend to view such matters.