Nostalgia and political opportunism will not save rural Ireland. A survival plan negotiated by the Postmasters Union and accepted by eighty per cent of its members will see 159 uneconomic rural post offices close on a voluntary basis this year. The deal has been criticised by opposition politicians as “an assault on rural Ireland” along with demands for its rejection. But ‘getting a lift to town’ is not a big deal in rural Ireland. Increasing the populations of small towns and villages by attracting outsiders with business experience and skills represents a win-win situation.

Source: The Irish Times September 07, 2018 23:03 UTC