National honours scheme long overdue

There is an old story about how people treasure being the recipient of an honour, and even if it may not be entirely true, it will serve to make a point.

Many, many decades ago, a member of the British royal family was travelling across Ireland to enjoy the then abundant sport in Connemara. The journey was broken at a small, family-run, midlands hotel. After an evening of vigorous celebration, our enlivened dauphin deemed it appropriate to knight the man of the house. Accepting that the customer is always right, the hotelier, a Mr Murphy, played his part in the midnight drama earnestly. A broom handle representing a sword was laid on his shoulder and when he rose from the kneeling position, he had been ennobled. As is often the case in these situations, morning brought a different perspective and a royal fixer had to break the news to Mr Murphy that he would have to surrender the title so recently bestowed on him.

“Not a bother,” replied an unsurprised Murphy, “but you can break the news to Lady Murphy yourself.”