It is not too hard to imagine that a certain kind of Irish person might squirm or, in extremis, shout at the TV when one of the Edwardians driving Brexit makes yet another statement that underlines their willful ignorance of our shared history.

I HAVE a photo of my great-grandmother in all her strait-laced Edwardian splendour — good coat, flamboyant hat and an expression full of gravitas.

Robert Frost wrote that "good fences make good neighbours". Well, I would add that strong, sound-proofed walls and the occasional closed door make for content families.

Robert Frost wrote that “good fences make good neighbours”. Well, I would add to that that strong, sound-proofed walls and the occasional closed door make for content families.