Groups working at the coalface of the drugs problem are to lead calls today and tomorrow, in Dublin and Cork, for the decriminalisation of drug possession.

What was life on the Ford production line in Cork like? Here, John Brennan, who worked in the factory from 1948 to 1952, gives a vivid insight into his job.

I’M pretty fast,” Joanne warns. “Fair enough,” I reply, but really I’m just curious to see how she can text at all. Gripping that ever-present iPhone between chin and what she calls her left hand, she manoeuvres it onto the table and begins texting. With her upper and lower lip. And at a speed faster than I’ve seen anyone text. My jaw drops. She shows me the screen, a flawless message. I can only chuckle in astonishment. She laughs back — you can tell she enjoys that reaction.