"But that's populism!"

If anyone does think that calling on politicians to cut down on their own expenses before foisting cutbacks on the rest of the country is simplistic and populist, the account of the wining and dining Brian Cowen is currently carrying on with various European heads of government should make them wonder if our leaders really are living within their means. The Taoiseach has just been to Berlin, where he had dinner with Angela Merkel and also met Jean-Claude "I just discard my country's consititution when its provisions don't suit me" Juncker. According to The Irish Independent of 4 December, Mr Cowen "is meeting with European heavy hitters in a three-day tour of European capitals ahead of next week's EU summit, where he will set out his approach to solving the Lisbon Treaty crisis ." This will include meetings with Gordon Brown in London and with Sarkozy at the Elysee Palace.

Hasn't he had the opportunity to "set out his approach" to Lisbon at any of his many tete-à-tetes with EU leaders before now? And notice the use of the word "crisis". The only crisis here, Taoiseach, is that unemployment in Ireland is skyrocketing while you're jetting around Europe at the taxpayer's expense. But apparently more of these vitally important conferences are to follow; the Independent notes that "[t]he meetings are part of a series of consultations with EU leaders to discuss plans to deal with the Lisbon impasse."

And what profound thoughts are being exchanged at these meetings? Frau Merkel told journalists "I have every confidence that the Irish Government is doing everything it can to move forward the process ... I think what is needed is mutual respect and understanding of the hopes and wishes and demands."

If he just went to Berlin to exchange vapid platitudes like this, Mr Cowen would have done better to stay at home.