I think ANY Irish Government would be v. uncomfortable with either AIB or BofI - the top two - being taken over by foreigners because there is a residual sense that they are committed to the Irish economy.

I think we may be coming close to the limits of what the Govt. would regard as a vital national interest and would be unwilling to defer to Brussels on.  Not sure what the legalities are, but collegial it ain't.

However there is also a sense that - e.g. the French would also act in their national interest if push came to shove - the difference is that smaller states are expected to be more deferential.

Vote McCain for war without gain