The Irish are rebels. With our repressive history, being rebels and witty was our way of staying sane. Breaking laws was a national pass time. Gaining full independence didn't mean that the habits of generations could change over night. Our parliament might make new laws but that was for someone else not me. Conformity was a mark of the English but not the Irish.

In my lifetime the change in this aspect of Irish life has been most dramatic. Dublin like London suffered from a dreadful smog that killed. A law was passed against the use of certain coals. One week later there was no more smog! A spin off was our public buildings could be cleaned and stay clean. As a child I had thought they we...

The Irish are rebels. With our repressive history, being rebels and witty was our way of staying sane. Breaking laws was a national pass time. Gaining full independence didn't mean that the habits of generations could change over night. Our parliament might make new laws but that was for someone else not me. Conformity was a mark of the English but not the Irish.

In my lifetime the change in this aspect of Irish life has been most dramatic. Dublin like London suffered from a dreadful smog that killed. A law was passed against the use of certain coals. One week later there was no more smog! A spin off was our public buildings could be cleaned and stay clean. As a child I had thought they were all black.

Next was the virtual elimination of the plastic carry out bag from shops. Virtually total compliance.

Last was the banning of ALL smoking in any working environment including PUBS. This has lead to a lowering in the value of public houses. The implication was hard fought but now smoking WITHIN a pub is unknown.

One female Irish politician, Mary Harney, is responsible for the last 2 implications. She is now the only TD/MP in her party and is our Minister of HEALTH. What else? Single handedly she has convinced the Irish to be law abiding.