by Kevin Meagher
Theresa May is single-handedly ensuring that the next generation of this country’s brightest and best will never venture near politics as a calling.
What a miserable advertisement she is for reaching the top of the greasy poll.
Her premiership is a pitiful, joyless existence devoid of purpose or conviction.
Yet again, she is the acme of political failure and confusion, assailed on all sides and unable to make a single decisive act.
This week’s unforced error is the Irish border issue.
Granted, it’s only Monday and there is plenty scope to top yesterday’s shambles, where she went to Brussels fully intending to agree a bespoke deal that would effectively keep Northern Ireland in the customs union and single market.
Before she bottled it, allowing Arlene Foster to veto a move that was manifestly in the interests of the British people, in order to keep the DUP leader sweet.
Before she drifts back to Brussels for further talks at the end of the week, Theresa May should take stock.
She has two choices.
Either she can placate the DUP, which means achieving no agreement on the Irish border question, preventing Phase Two talks on trade from beginning and increasing the prospect of a hard Brexit.
Or she can put the country first.
She can stand up to the DUP, agree a deal with the Irish Government, proceed to Phase Two, agree a trade deal and secure a soft Brexit.
Let’s recap. Her spin doctors have spent every day since last Thursday briefing that this deal was in the offing.
Northern Ireland’s economic regulations would stay in ‘alignment’ with the Republic of Ireland, protecting it from the incalculable damage Brexit will cause.
But Theresa May possesses neither the political courage nor sense of history required in a British Prime Minister.
As a result, her indecision has managed to alienate both the DUP and the Irish Government in one fell swoop. In Europe she is a laughing stock. At home, a figure of contempt.
