One farce that has been successfully stamped-out from the Irish border, is that of its infamous 'homing Pigs'.
Before both sides of the Irish border became members of the same club, there was a subsidy from Brussels on all 'Swine' that crossed from the South to the North, and as you might imagine there were suddenly lots of them.
What happened was that the Pigs would cross the border in huge cattle trucks. At the customs post the driver would be given a certificate stating how many Pigs had crossed the border, so that the subsidies could be claimed from Brussels. The Pigs would then be offloaded a few miles down the road, and driven 'loose' through a hole in the fence, and loaded onto another waiting cattle truck back in the South, for the process to be repeated. The empty truck would then also return and await another load of escapees.
Each Pig could make several crossings a day, and never actually be sold.
They were known as 'homing Pigs', and people became rich on their to and fro travels.
Inventive, yes; but not really in the spirit of the Brussels' dream state. I'm not certain, but we may see them again if they can't find some new border solution.
I guess the pigs would be happy if they never actually got to market.
ReplyDeleteThey probably demanded a cut of the action too.
DeleteAnother ridiculous EU idea. Good on the Irish for making some money out of it
ReplyDeleteHope all that walking didn't make for strong muscles and tough meat
I don't think the scam lasted too long. After a while they realised that MILLIONS of Pigs were crossing the border every day!
DeleteNow look here Cro, every morning I read your post and in the main enjoy, however since Billy’s arrival all I am really interested in is more photo’s of the wee lad. The suspense I ought to say is killing!
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I too am waiting for updates and photos of Billy.
DeleteHe has so much energy, it's exhausting. He's like a wind-up toy that never stops!
DeleteYes, I have been checking for a Billy update.
DeleteMe too.
DeleteI seem to have heard of so many rorts by people taking advantage of what Brussels does.
ReplyDeleteThis was quite some while ago, but it could happen again.
DeleteThe cross border smuggling in oil on the farms that straddle the border is where the money is to be made and costing HMRC many millions of pounds. Perhaps the Irish border solution should be left to the Murphys to solve. I am sure they could do it.
ReplyDeleteThey could fight it out.
DeleteNever mind pigs and fireplaces.....what about Billy? How is he settling in ? Have you had some nice walks...obviously only little walks as he is so young!
ReplyDeleteI need to teach him to walk first; he just runs and leaps at the moment. Crazy.
DeleteWell, it was enterprising. A cousin of mine has made a multi-lingual career in Brussels, must be close to retiring now, but I've never been able to work our what he actually does!
ReplyDeleteJust looked to see who Billy is - how lovely!
Maybe your cousin is employed in the 'Empire Building' dep't. It caters for 99% of the workforce! Billy is my Valentine.
DeleteThat old trick.
ReplyDeleteThe old tricks are the most remunerative.
DeleteI'm catching up. Never mind the EU swine. I simply can't get over Billy. Wow! Best breed going. Come by! You'll have to get one of those sheepdog whistles. I think you'll have great times.
ReplyDeleteHe's still working on 'Come by' and 'Away', but actually sat for me yesterday (probably by mistake).
DeleteWe need at least one post a week devoted entirely to Billy please.
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DeleteOther people's puppies can become very tedious,but I'll do my best.
DeleteI could never herd muy pigs anywhere
ReplyDeleteBok used to herd the Hens; very well too.
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