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On the subject of game shows, it might be advisable to get on to “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” before January 1st. Why? Because if after euro day, the million is EUR1 million as opposed to (pounds) 1 million, your winnings are going to be proportionately less than the pre-January 1st, 2002, winners. Unless, of course, the title of the programme is changed to “Who Wants to be a One Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty Eight euro Winner?”—the euro equivalent of (pounds) 1 million—but that title is not just as catchy, is it?
We may grumble about euro confusion. But spare a thought for our fellow Europeans when they wake up on January 1st. Imagine the momentary feeling of horror an Italian might sense, seeing mere hundreds rather than tens of thousands in his or her bank account. The lack of zeros after the principal figure could be very disconcerting indeed. So, to a certain extent, we Irish can count ourselves lucky—the appearance of having more money is always a much more preferable experience to the feeling of having your savings wiped out.
Of course, the euro will impact on every aspect of our lives. The psychological effects of the introduction of the euro could be enormous. Will pound shops become EUR1.27 shops or will they become euro shops? Gone will be the familiar chant of Moore Street fruit sellers: "Apples, four for a pound."
It could even impact on our speech. In time, the phrase "a penny for your thoughts" could disappear from use. If you use that phrase in 15 years' time to a 15 year old, he or she will probably give you that same puzzled look 15 year olds give you today when you talk about your record—rather than CD— collection. "What's a penny?" they'll ask you. "It's worth just over one cent in the new money," you can tell them.
Ceuta, the Border-fence of Europe
Riccardo Valsecchi, June 25, 2009
The Last Dictatorship of Europe
Riccardo Valsecchi, May 31, 2009
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