Ireland, it transpires, is not alone in grappling with that modern phenomenon known as the skills shortage. The Margin was amused to learn that one of Britain's largest bus companies, London United, has responded to a chronic recruitment problem by appointing 53 French bus drivers - but not without certain language problems.

One driver replying to a passenger's question: "Does this bus go to Hammersmith?" was a not particularly helpful "probably".

He would clearly fit right at Dublin Bus!