One thing that's true is that a common currency would make it a lot harder for shops and other people in England to rip people off, as they do at present by charging such inflated prices on pretty well everything. Tourists just wouldn't buy it, and nor would holidaymakers coming back again. Different currencies sort of anaesthetize you against recognising that kind of thing. "It's not real money" is how you always tend to feel.

I'm dubious about a lot of things about the EU, but having a common currency just seems like a sensible idea. A common world currency would be better.

So I think the Irish probably got it right - accept the euro without a fuss - and dig in on things that really matter.

Only thing is, as with the change from LSD, it's going to mean a lot of explanations about songs. And pound is a much better word fro rhyming, which is a bugger of a rhyme word.

I think they should change the name and instead call the common currency "the Quid" - which would mean that most people in Britain would accept it cheerfully. And it is a good Latin word, so should have excellent transcontinental street cred.