PUMPING diesel into my ancient automobile (outstandingly comfortable but nil value today) one warm afternoon last week, I recalled the joys of riding a motorbike on back roads in Thailand a month ago, my wife on the pillion and the wind in my hair (plenty of wind but not a great deal of hair).

THE weather expert who first predicted Ireland’s Big Freeze says it will get even colder next week as a “once-in-a-lifetime” Siberian weather event brings -10C temperatures, six inches more snow and a white Christmas.