A chara, – To escape the depressing news, I have been reading with interest about the Great Famine of over 150 years ago. Apparently Ireland was a net exporter of food throughout most of the five-year Famine. When one considers today’s situation it would seem history is indeed repeating itself. Today, through our democratic channels, Irish taxpayers have elected to reduce spending on education and health in order to reimburse foreign bondholders for their failed punts on Irish banks. How kind we are, or should I say ignorant and suicidal! – Is mise,