Sir, - I agree wholeheartedly with Dr Declan Bedford (The Irish Times, December 15th) that the Government's attitude to the alcohol problem in the Budget (and in policy matters generally) is very disappointing. Certainly the effect of the Budget will be to increase the overall consumption of alcohol. Is it still an average of £8 million per day? I join Dr Bedford in asking: Why has the Government abandoned its policies for political expediency? Why was the tax on alcohol not increased? Surely not because so many of friends of those in Government are involved in the drink trade?
Dr Michael Loftus recently resigned as an official of his local GAA club when it sought a late-night exemption for the night of the Connacht Club football final. He no longer attends All-Ireland hurling finals, which are sponsored by Guinness. As the committed GAA follower that he is, this sacrifice is significant. He is to be admired for his consistent condemnation of the abuse of alcohol (of which he has vast experience as coroner in Mayo). The GAA claim that it does great work for the youth of this country is somewhat negated by its selling out to Guinness and the "life to the power of Guinness". - Yours, etc.,
Mrs Mary Stewart, Donegal Town.