In the swim

MARTIN CULLEN’S fortunate escape from a faulty helicopter over Killarney brings to mind another politician’s remark in similar circumstances.

Benjamin Disraeli, a thorn in the side of Gladstone who, when asked to define the difference between a misfortune and a calamity, replied: “If Mr Gladstone were to fall into the Thames, it would be a misfortune. But if someone dragged him out, it would be a calamity.”

Brendan Cafferty