the decker berney's life matters

 (The growing gulf between Irish people and the police force.)

Driving on the highway between the towns of Newbridge and Naas.

I come upon an accident.

Hay bales from a truck trailer have come loose and are blocking the road.

The bales are each the size of a car.

I can see the truck pulled in at the side of the road a hundred meteres ahead.

There is no sign of any injuries.

I drive onto the verge and pass the obstruction.

Five minutes later I pull into Naas police station.

There is no one in the public area.

I press a bell buzzer.

A police officer, short, dark haired, more or less a teenager, opens a hatch.

He says: "You're parked in a parking spot reserved for Gardai. Would you mind moving it?"

I say: "There's an accident..."

He says: "I'll talk to you when you move the car."

I call over my shoulder as I leave; "The road is blocked at Ladytown."