Better under Britain?

EXPRESSING a preference for the “forthright integrity of British rule” above Irish self-rule, Niall Ginty (Letters, July 9) claims life in 19th century England and France was far worse for ordinary folk than it ever was for the Irish under British rule, “with the exception of the Great Famine years”.

This unintended gem must surely rank alongside that of satirist Tom Lehrer’s classic on the events of April 14, 1865 at Ford’s Theatre in Washington: “Apart from that Mrs Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?” Mr Ginty’s satirical take on British rule in Ireland would give Swift and Wilde a run for their money.

With the recession causing so much misery and gloom, we all could do with a bit of cheering up. More please.