Wardens learn what happens to nice guys

Dublin can be heaven, as everyone knows, with coffee at eleven and a stroll in Stephen's Green. And the strolling in the Green continued unabated yesterday, despite notices asking people not to enter because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

A horse and carriage opposite the main gate symbolised the Government's current challenge in trying to restrict the movement of people and animals. But the horse was not the only one wearing blinkers as members of the public poured through the Fusiliers' Arch - colloquially known as "Traitors' Gate" - past signs pleading with them to stay out.

In fairness to the public, the signs were small, polite and, by yesterday evening, missing from several entrances. The park wardens had also installed disinfectant mats at all gates.

A spokesman for the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands explained: "We're trying to keep as many people out as possible, as nicely as possible." He added: "If more measures have to be taken, they will be."

Inside the gates, with herbaceous border controls non-existent, some strollers stopped as usual to feed the ducks, the main cause for concerns that the Green could help spread the virus. In fact, walking around on the partially frozen ponds, the birds were attracting even more sympathy than usual.

A short stroll away down Grafton Street there was yet another symptom of the crisis, with many shelves in Marks and Spencer's food store empty.

Dairy products, sandwiches, and pre-prepared meals were among the numerous products missing. Signs carried apologies that because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Britain the normal range of foods was not available. A spokeswoman said the severe weather had compounded delivery problems, but added that panic buying was not a factor.

Elsewhere, it has emerged that the national parks and wildlife service, Duchas, is preparing to cull wildlife in the vicinity of any outbreaks of the disease. The plan includes the use of sharpshooters.

Potential carriers such as deer, badgers, foxes and feral goats will be taken out should an outbreak occur in what a source said would be "a highly sensitive action."