Sir, – Padraig Ó Conghaile suggests that it would be in the best interests of us all to take a day off the drink given our "problem with regard to alcohol abuse" (January 29th). This is a topic for debate that resurfaces within public conversation quite frequently and one that is often discussed within this newspaper. However, it remains a separate issue to the Good Friday alcohol ban.
I am sorry if Mr Ó Conghaile sees the arguments against the ban to be “sideswipes at religion”, but when the law in question originated on religious grounds, then I think such principles should be open for critical debate. Furthermore, I recognise that this day is “very sacred for many”. However, if any believer fears that for some to enjoy a drink at the beginning of this holiday weekend would be to desacralise the divine meaning of this day for them, then they must have little faith in their own beliefs. – Yours, etc,
ROBERT McDOWELL,
Dublin 2.