djk,
Our pendant fittings are the same over here.
For years our pendants were connected with 2-core lamp cord, wrapped as you say around a torturous path in the pendant itself.
BTW, do you guys have a maximum wieght limit for pendant light fittings over in Ireland?.
By memory, I think it is 0.5kg for .75mm2 2-core.
I'm reminded of a guy over here a few years ago, that ended up in hospital w/ concussion, after a heavy glass shade that was fitted to a pendant pulled the wires out of the cieling rose and fell on his head.
And from a 12 foot stud cieling, this must have hurt somewhat!. [Linked Image]