Fianna Fail MEP for Leinster, Jim Fitzsimons doesn't strike one as the romantic sort, but obviously he is. Speaking in Drogheda this week on the changeover of the Irish pound to the euro, Fitzsimons claimed it was ironic that such a seminar was being held during Valentine's week.
Decimalisation was introduced in Ireland 27 years ago, on February 15th, 1971, he said. "That was the last year that Valentine presents could be bought in pounds, shillings and half-crowns, and soon such Valentine's presents and all other forms of commerce and trade purchases will have to be transacted through euro notes and coins, euro notes preferably." As Fitzsimons asked, who said romantic Ireland is dead and gone?
