Get yourself one of these bad boys, gloated a Birmingham lad, flashing an Irish passport. File photograph: Alan Betson
Those in search of a lift for the soul might take a look at an Irish citizenship ceremony. Thousands of people dressed in their best, floating in a wave of joy and hope, facing the flag and proudly taking the oaths of fealty to the Irish State and nation. “Congratulations. You are now fellow citizens of Ireland,” the presiding officer declares to the kind of thunderous sustained applause most performers can only dream of.
The Army No 1 Band might blast out a rendition of the EU anthem, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy; a garda may sing Amhrán na bhFiann with the Garda Band; there may be a harpist to play a merry O’Carolan’s Welcome and an Army colour party presenting arms with impressive pomp and ceremony before marching offstage with the flag. In between there may be memorable speeches.