Herd mentality increases greenhouse gas risk

It is not long ago since a late-morning DJ, on RTÉ Radio 1, tormented us by playing ‘Cows With Guns’. No, Ronan Collins, I have neither forgotten nor forgiven.

However, it was an inspired decision by Taoiseach Enda Kenny to combine the Cabinet duties of defence and agriculture, considering that as of April 1 — another ‘red-letter day’ — our farmers can produce as much milk as they like for an already saturated market.

To do this, they will have to put themselves into hock to the banks to increase their herds.