Market pros constantly try to ascertain how external events, from wars to famine, but also legislation, affects stock market performance.

FORBES: Can You Build A Politics-Proof Portfolio?

Mr McElduff said it appeared from departmental correspondence that it was not keen on commemorating The Famine, but the minister said there was nothing preventing individual groups from holding commemorations for various events.

BBC: Culture Committee

Lyse Doucet began her BBC career in Africa where she spent four years covering events in West and North Africa including a spate of military coups, and recurrent drought and famine in the Sahel.

BBC: Meet the presenters