Several years ago we fought a huge battle over the proposal to install green boxes at the end of certain lanes. It may have been a cost-cutting exercise but it was also a retrograde step. Postmen and postwomen are often invited to have a cup of tea and a chat with households. Sometimes they deliver or exchange a newspaper. I hope I do not get anybody into trouble when I say that many postmen and postwomen drove past the boxes to deliver post personally. It is part of the human nature of Irish people who are diligent about their work and interested in human engagement.

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