I was involved in a discussion recently about red and grey squirrels and whether the latter as intruders should be culled. It seemed to me that the grey squirrel and its place in the UK is reminiscent and a metaphor for all the collective xenophobic instincts about Johnny Foreigner.

Just returned from a visit to Ireland to attend a wedding and stay with my in-laws. Thoroughly enjoyable few days particularly as my brother in law is recovering from a serious cancer. The wedding party at the bride's parents house was all I have come to expect in Ireland. Great hospitality - the mussels had been caught and cooked that day and the accompanying Chateauneuf Du Pape (I enjoy a good red wine with mussels) was superb. Ireland is beginning to have the economic jitters the UK is experiencing but it has not so far destroyed the Irish enthusiasm and ability to party.