Unacceptable bedfellows

And finally....An economist, an accountant and a banker are travelling in the countryside

And finally. . . .An economist, an accountant and a banker are travelling in the countryside. They stop at a small farmhouse B and B. As only one two-bedded room is available, the accountant volunteers to sleep in the barn. A short time later the two inside are woken by a knock. It's the accountant. "There's a cow in that barn. I'm a Hindu and can't sleep next to a sacred animal." The banker departs to the barn. Soon another knock is heard. It's the banker. "There's a pig out there. I'm Jewish and can't sleep next to an unclean animal."

The economist, believing in nothing but market forces, grumpily beds down in the hay. It's late, everyone is tired, all quickly fall asleep. But soon an even louder knocking is heard. The door is opened. It's the cow and the pig. . . . !

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up to the Business Today newsletter for the latest new and commentary in your inbox

  • Listen to Inside Business podcast for a look at business and economics from an Irish perspective