The government does well enough on the extravagant celebrations through VAT, excise duty etc, I reckon! I stopped for lunch in Athlone on the way across Ireland yesterday, in a restaurant whose owner I happen to know quite well. The place was hopping - recession or no recession. Then I spotted the little white angels running around the place and realised that not every Saturday was like this... That said, my friend is not complaining, of course.

Regards