And on October 23rd the outgoing Commission president, José Manuel Barroso, found out just how wrong it was.In an act of studied contempt, Mr Renzi's government published online the Commission's "strictly confidential" letter demanding an explanation for Italy's draft 2015 budget.
It is only in recent years, as I have seen that pride turn into self-righteousness, and that self-righteousness into self-pity and aggression, that I have realised just how wrong it was not to be completely open about the failings I witnessed.
The 56-year-old former trade union convenor made false claims totalling £8,385, "knowing full well just how wrong it was and the effect that false claims were having on the public's belief and confidence in parliament", Mr Justice Saunders, passing sentence at the Old Bailey, said.
Was I now risking my daughter's emotional health by allowing her around someone who was capable of such damage -- all the while seemingly unaware of just how wrong it was?
Most of them just find it funny because of how wrong it is.
"It is about time that we found a way to just hashtag something and speak up about how wrong it is.
I remember, here was...a happily married man of five children, and I just remember thinking how wrong it was.
"You're the one, that really gave me a buzz," he sings, "I didn't think I could last much longer but then it shows you just how wrong I was".
If I had asked the many experienced colleagues I have here at The Independent – who have always been very generous with their time – they would have told me that, and they would have explained just how wrong I was.
I realize just how wrong I was.
