An Offer they Can't Refuse

So, in the EU, who gets to play Lucca Brasi?

Top EU official says partners are tired of "difficult" Irish;
Warns Ireland it must ratify soon in order to save its "image"

According to the Irish Independent, Ireland's highest-ranking EU civil servant, Catherine Day, has said that Ireland's 'no' vote has tarnished the country's image and damaged its ability to influence the EU. She told a parliamentary Committee on Ireland's Future on Wednesday that when Irish representatives at meetings try to voice concerns on issues other than Lisbon, the mood among other delegates is that "the Irish are being difficult" again. Day, who is the Secretary General of the European Commission, claimed the Irish government was not coming under any "undue pressure" to make a final decision, but added, "I do not believe that Ireland's image has been tarnished irrevocably, provided we are able to ratify in a reasonable time period."

She said she didn't think it was politically conceivable that the EU would "throw away" eight years of work because the Irish don't want to proceed. She said, "There is a sense of concern and frustration in other member states. Many years of debating went into it. I think the other member states are very keen to accommodate Ireland in providing reassurances. I don't see any willingness to re-open the treaty. The goodwill does not go so far as to changing the treaty."

Difficult:

My father made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

...

Luca Brasi held a gun to his head, and my father assured him that either his brains -- or his signature -- would be on the contract.

...But of course, we mean it in the nicest possible way...