Starbucks looks to be planning a second Cork city centre outlet - long before the first controversial store has even opened.

The Menu has nothing but admiration for those restaurateurs battling bravely onwards through fiscally fraught times but shudders at the nervelessness required on the part of some of Cork’s finest establishments participating in Cork Midsummer Festival’s Eat the Street (June 21-29).

FOR those who wonder whether our legislators have the flexibility, strength and foresight to lead this country out of recession, allow me to provide the answer.