Sir, – Back in my youth in the 1960s, I cycled between my home in Ballyfermot and work near the Point Depot every day. The morning spin was usually okay, as the prevailing wind from the west assisted my pedalling. On the return trip in the evening, I adopted different tactics. Tucking in behind the 79 bus, usually full leaving its Aston Quay terminus, I would take advantage of the wind-shielding effect of the bulk it provided, drawn along in the slipstream. It was a bit stop-and-go along the south side of the river, requiring a high level of concentration to avoid contact between my front wheel and the bus’s bumper.
The long stretches of St John’s Road West, and Inchicore Road, when the bus driver put the boot down was a real thrill-seeker’s exercise. The risks were high, but the payoff seemed worthwhile. After leaving the North Wall at 4.30pm, I would dismount at my home as the 5pm siren was blowing in the Inchicore railway works.
I think Ireland’s situation after Brexit is analogous to my derring-do of bygone years. Do we trust our future to the vagaries of the EU elements, or utilise the bulk of our biggest trading partner to shield us from the coming storm? Do we face into the headwinds of being an insignificant player in the great, if flawed, European experiment, or seek shelter in the slipstream of a proven business partner?
Just as I needed my wits about me when pedalling flat out behind that big (British) Leyland double-decker to avoid catastrophe, our leaders must steer a careful course to protect our future. – Yours, etc,
A JONES,
Mullagh,
Co Cavan.