It is not that long ago that the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, when making a statement to the world on the lessons of the volatility of financial markets, climate change, international terrorism, nuclear proliferation and the challenges of globalisation, told all countries, including Ireland, that our self-interest and our mutual self-interest were inextricably woven together. It is a pity that, in those profound words of wisdom he was so anxious to give to the world, he did not take account of his decision in 2001 on the MOX plant.