“The Government’s programme of public works proved to be a tragic error, especially in the bitter winters of 1846–47 and 1847–48. Workers were, by law, paid on piece-work, and bad weather reduced their income further. Piece-work also penalised the weak, the elderly, and the undernourished who were not able to labour effectively. Workers were poorly clothed and their health suffered from exposure. Besides, they were too badly fed to do heavy work, and many died of malnutrition. ” From The Truth Behind The Irish Famine, 100 images, 472 eyewitness accounts. Signed copies only at http://www.jerrymulvihill.com