The next stage in advancing populism is to attack anybody who challenges the exclusive right of the populist party to define or interpret the national interest.

It should be based on a cold calculation of national interest.

First, it is far from clear how the measure would protect the national interest and indeed it may be counter-productive.

In the national interest they should bury their enmity and we should have a constructive conversation.

We are cheered by parties acting in the national interest and heartened by former political foes seeking common ground, rounding off the sharper edges of dogma.