Can the boom continue? Whatever about the economy, learned economic analysts have consulted their computer predictions, tweaked their models and are now forecasting that the Christmas power cuts could unleash another kind of boom next September - a baby boom.

No doubt demographers in years ahead will be examining the strange pattern of births across the State next autumn and wondering how it all happened.

The question is, what names would be appropriate? Noel or Noelle, perhaps, given the time of year? Or Stephen, for those who still didn't have power on Boxing day? Or maybe Ken, in honour of ESB boss Ken O'Hara?

Or, may the Margin suggest, Dustin, as the power cuts also led to a lot of ugly uncooked turkeys?