It's back to the 'eighties almost everywhere you turn. The economy is in the worst state since the 'eighties, unemployment is at its worst since the 'eighties at over 10 per cent. Young Irish people are again talking about
emigrating although this time round their options are limited.
Even the fashions are harking back to the 'eighties with horrors such as bat-winged tops, sparkly leggings, and huge belts. At least it means I'm not tempted to part with my hard-earned cash in clothes shops as I've got a rule that if I've worn it first time round, I'm not going to wear it again!
But there is one exception. I was delighted to note the return of fingerless gloves. I gladly wore them back in the 'eighties when, in my first job, I worked in a freezing cold office with just a two-bar electric heater for warmth.
Now, they promise to be the perfect solution for taking photographs on cold winter days. And this pair
even has a little 'hood' to cover up my fingers when they're not in use.