Romania and USSR, Lembit Opik & Gabi Irimia’s version
In a slightly uninspired article published in today’s The Guardian,
Lembit Opik gives his five reasons to support Romania at the Euro 2008. The less convincing of them is that a much inspired goalkeeper from his constituency, standing no chance to be capped in the Welsh team, might find his place in the Romanian team. Quoting: "Unfortunately a goalkeeper from Montgomery Town FC is never going to be signed in the UK, but Goodwin is certainly good enough for an audition with Romania. I think if we support Romania, the least they can do is give Steve Goodwin a chance to be one of the most impressive goalies in a former Soviet Union country."
I am afraid that he only confirms a general stereotype about the disconnection between Gabriela Irimia and her birthplace, since Romania was never part of USSR, yet the cheeky girl might not have noticed. Alternatively, may I suggest that an MP with such deficiencies on contemporary history should not be capped in a national diplomatic team - be it UK’s or the Estonian one.