Madam, – With reference to Newtown Emerson’s article (May 11th), here are some more contenders:
1) In 1014 Brian Boru defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf. Result: IKEA’s arrival and Olli Rehn’s bailout delayed by 1,000 years.
2) In 1759 Arthur Guinness starts selling stout. Result: 250 years of maudlin sentimentality.
3) In 1994 Mother Ireland gives birth to Celtic Tiger metaphor. Result: formal surrender of national sovereignty to Olli Rehn (see above). – Yours, etc,