I meet this qualified accountant who wants to take charge of my finances and general economic future.

It transpires that he was (still is? ) co-signatory on the bank account of a very well-known national voluntary organisation funded by members' subs and donations, public money voted by the Oireachtas . . . and a very well publicised medical appeal for a stricken member.

This qualified accountant (a self-proclaimed and poignant expert on the working of joint accounts) was very happy to sign up in advance significant numbers of blank cheques. With results which nullified the entire purpose of joint signatures . . .

and which have been documented in sordid detail. This qualified accountant has never acknowledged that there was anything more than something slightly injudicious in this practice. Never apologised to the members of his organisation.

Nor to the contributors to the medical appeal . . . only half of which was used for medical purposes. Ne'er a nod to the grubby old taxpayer. Let alone the hundreds of voluntary treasurers up and down the country who sweat blood every year before agms to balance and account for every cent.

Further, it transpires that the same qualified accountant is 'more comfortable with cash'.

Which he and his associates seldom count. Which is frequently stored in suitcases in hotel wardrobes. Or in an interest-free grubby old office safe.

Should I hire this qualified accountant to look after my future? Should I what? If I had a choice. For it seems the matter is academic. A handful of voters in a handful of constituencies have already taken the decision for me. Just hope that the economic landing is not too bumpy.

And not on the rocks.

Hypothetically of course.