Summer washout - Why does it always rain on me?

OF THE handful of phenomena in the world worth talking about, Irish people are obsessed by the weather.

And no wonder, given the relentless rainfall and the dreary prospect, thanks to global warming, that our climate looks set to get even wetter.

According to tradition, if it rains on St Swithin’s Day, which happens to fall tomorrow, it will rain for 40 days. The outlook is not good.

Spare a thought for domestic holiday-makers, especially families with young children, longing for a ray of sunlight through the mists. As for tourists, most seem geared for Irish weather. Of course, they would benefit greatly if indoor facilities were enhanced.

Having already endured at least 40 days of rain, and without any prolonged spell of reasonable weather on the way, St Swithin can hardly make things much worse.