A chara, - There is a long established link between politics and alcohol in Ireland, as befits a society with an acknowledged fondness for both. In the days of the British, pubs also provided an important channel of communication between political leaders and the general public and, as a result, were closely monitored by Dublin Castle.
Since Independence, the relationship has continued, albeit in a changed format. Witness the political strength of the drinks industry lobby. The practice of holding political clinics in pubs, and the willingness of leading politicians to be photographed opening public houses and even off-licences, God help us!
Alcohol and pubs are central not only to Irish political life but, to Irish life in general. The pub is the place to which Irish people resort to celebrate a wedding, an All-Ireland or to commiserate on a death. To repeat a well-worn cliché, it is part of what we are.
Rather than seeking to separate politics from pubs, we should put the relationship on a more formal footing. It is time to officially recognise the contribution made to politics and Irish society by public houses and the happiness spread not only in Ireland but, throughout the whole, wide world, by the phenomenon known as "The Irish Pub".
If the Chinese can be proud of their restaurants and the Japanese their cars, why can't the Irish be proud of their greatest contribution to civilised society? Why can't we view this achievement as a positive and enviable development, which no other race can emulate?
And since it is obvious that pubs are the favoured work environment of politicians and their clients, why interfere with a system that works? I would go further and now formally propose that we give politicians an official venue in which they will be happy to work in and not need to be continually skiving off, to do business in pubs. Yes, I advocate turning the Dáil into a public house - sponsored by the multinational drinks companies, of course!
One immediate benefit of such a change would be to make the task of the Ceann Comhairle easier. Instead of having to lure TDs into the chamber to debate or provide a quorum, his main problem would be getting them to go home at night. It would also be convenient for the Taoiseach, who wouldn't have the trouble of bringing foreign dignitaries out to Dublin pubs to demonstrate the Irish way to socialise. Unless changes are made now, I fear this duty alone will be especially onerous,during his upcoming presidency of the EU!
Holding Dáil debates in a proper pub atmosphere would have other advantages. Politicians who have had a few drinks would be more likely to discard their spin-doctored scripts and tell the truth, while timid backbenchers might lose their dread of the party whip. Indeed, if a limited number of the public were also admitted to the chamber, and allowed to take part in debates, it might help advance popular democracy and provide grassroots approval for Government decisions. Fee-paying tourists should not, however, be allowed to participate! - Is mise,
LIAM Ó GÉIBHEANNAIGH,
Áth an Ghainimh,
Co Átha Cliath.