Madam, – Pressing issues abound, but I hope you will allow the raising of a trivial but telling irritation of life at the end of 2009. In recent weeks I have spent a considerable sum (these days that’s €25) on consecutive umbrellas. Each time the brolly collapsed under the demands of the soft Irish climate on first use. These were not extreme days, just the usual wind and rain. Is that not what umbrellas are designed to protect against? Perhaps readers could kindly offer advice, without descending to low advertising? The situation is made even worse because, as we all know, we are living under such a shower. – Yours, etc,