Where is Michael MacDowell when you need him? That's what the Margin was asking itself this week when confronted with a brand new example of how nationalised industries can become sluggish and inefficient.

The Dead Hand of the State showed itself through Ireland On Line, the Internet service provider now owned by the taxpayer through An Post.

In early October, one of the Margin's agents paid the company £150 for Internet access - as we go to print no diskettes have been received and there is no service, despite many attempts get it.