Load of blarney

THE cut-backs in St Patrick’s Day travel by government ministers is mere window dressing and a dodgy false economy.

It has become the populist norm to describe every excursion outside the gates of the Dáil as a junket but the ministerial trips for Paddy’s Day are a very special opportunity for promoting this country.

Now, when we have never needed promotion more, we ditch it, thereby cutting our nose to spite our face.