Author warns of wave of unfriendliness descending on Irish people

A wave of unfriendliness is descending on Irish people, who are increasingly discouraging even the most casual interaction with others, a bestselling author has warned.

“A wall of silence seems to be coming between us and the people we meet on the street. That may be understandable in big cities, but in small rural communities it shouldn’t be happening and it’s unsettling to see it,” observed Alice Taylor, author of more than 20 books, including the iconic best-seller To School Through The Fields, which have for decades promoted the values of rural life and the power of community.