His full name is Joseph Rooney Smith and he works for the corporation of one of the Tyneside towns as an 'M.P.'. This has nothing to do with the Houses of Parliament but is short for 'Muck Pusher': Rooney is a dustman. A shy man Rooney has one aim in life - a comfortable home but with a difference - he did not want a wife. As a result Rooney spends his time dodging women; his canniness becomes the envy of his mates and the despair of predatory widows and single women. Yet this resolute bachelor's way of thinking is changed in spite of himself when he moves his treasured bits of furniture and meets Nellie. She seems shy too but when she uncharacteristically 'breaks out' not only does she throw the gentle Rooney into utter confusion she awakens in him feelings he never knew he possessed. Rooney one of Catherine Cookson's most endearing characters is an ordinary bloke with a dustbin on his shoulder romance in his soul and Sir Galahad lurking just below skin level. The story of how Rooney finally pushes through to the surface is warm amusing and thoroughly enjoyable.
