Many fear that retailers will use the transfer to euro notes and coins next year to fleece customers unfamiliar with the exchange rate and, if what was seen in Galway last weekend happens elsewhere, then there's every reason to fear the worst.

The Margin came across a busker and crowds had gathered to hear him. Some even bought his recordings on CD.

All very well. But the man advertised the CDs at "£10 or #15". Funny indeed - for #15 is significant mark-up on the correct rate, #12.70.