Reminder of rural garda cuts - Post office raids

THREATS to rural post offices come in many forms — liberalisation of the postal market — rationalisation of services and depopulation of the countryside among them.

They have fought back with admirable spirit against all despite an ambivalent Government attitude to their future.

With persistence and ingenuity, they may well find ways to improve their financial viability and secure their place at the heart of the communities they serve.