Sir, – The proposal to appoint a key figure linked to the drinks industry to the board of RTÉ ("Opposition to RTÉ nomination of outgoing Meas chief executive", October 10th) speaks volumes about our commitment as a nation to tackling the greatest social issue facing our country at this time.
In Ireland, television is the most powerful instrument available to the drinks industry, enabling it to promote its products to young and old, as it has done for well over 50 years since the establishment of RTÉ television. For that reason, the possibility that a person who has headed Meas, a drinks industry-funded “social responsibility agency”, beggars belief.
The drinks industry is fighting to influence decision-makers at all levels and in every sphere to ensure that the state does not step in to regulate the advertising and promotion of alcohol, as has been the case in other countries, notably in France, where the law limits the exposure of alcohol promotion to younger people.
Whether or not this appointment goes ahead is now in the hands of a Minister, Alex White, who up to very recently was responsible for the formulation of health policy in relation to alcohol and its promotion. Let’s hope he sees the big picture. – Yours, etc,
Dr MICHAEL LOFTUS,
Crossmolina, Co Mayo.