Sir, – The recent motion in relation to drink-driving passed by Kerry County Council has received the appropriate opprobrium, but has succeeded in at least one of its goals (Home News, January 23rd). It highlights a very important issue, namely the increasing social isolation of many of our older, rural citizens. This section of our society is less likely to have the resources necessary to adapt to the new vista of decreased tolerance of drink-driving.
Fragmentation of local communities follows, as well as individual loneliness, and I am certain consequent mental health issues are not far behind.
As the Guinness Quality mini-vans tootle around the country I would suggest Diageo might also supply rural pubs with vehicles, in order that staff could ferry patrons home. This is eminently feasible in smaller establishments where the trade is quite local. As well as usual duties, a member of staff may be tasked to perform this duty. Insurance and tax might be supplemented by Diageo. Additional staff costs would hopefully be recovered through increased custom.
The fabric of local communities might start to be repaired as a result. We might also see fewer alcohol-related road deaths? Diageo posted pre-tax profits of €3.97 billion for the first half of 2012: time to give something back I think. – Is mise,
Sir, – In these dark days when our nation faces enormous economic and social challenges, as our population of youth is decimated by the scourges of unemployment, emigration and depression; we find that, not for the first time, a Kerryman emerges from the long shadows to provide us with some winter cheer.
Many may question the wisdom of his proposal to provide a permit to drunk drivers in his constituency to help them in their social endeavours. We will have a new category of driver, “The responsible drunk driver”. I feel the nation owes Mr Healy-Rae an enormous debt of gratitude. For comedy value alone, he is a class act .The people of Kerry should indeed be proud. – Yours, etc,