PAUL FARRELL,
Sir, - Michael McDowell has immediately highlighted the effect of alcohol as a major contributor to violence on Irish streets. He isn't the first Minister for Justice and won't be the last to look at this problem, but maybe he could have a word with Dermot Ahern, the Minister now responsible for communications and therefore RTÉ.
Is it really acceptable that our so-called "public service" broadcaster should continue to allow a hugely popular prime time TV programme aimed directly at a youth audience - Friends - to be sponsored by an alcohol company?
The volume of alcohol-related advertising on the station has grown exponentially in recent years but the whingers from Montrose could at least accept some degree of responsibility along with their heavy reliance on the bottom line. They already encourage advertising directly at young children despite a campaign from a former authority member, Bob Quinn, but surely promoting booze via trendy youth programmes has all the hallmarks of yet another drink-related incident. Cheers. - Yours, etc.,
PAUL FARRELL, Clyde Lane, Dublin 4.
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Sir, - From your Dáil reports of June 20th and 21st) we learn of Michael McDowell's fierce denunciation of the damage to the fabric of society by alcohol abuse, and Michael D. Higgins's highlighting of the need to deal with alcohol advertising.
I ask the Minister to display again both his legendary courage and the benefits of coalition Government, and to ensure both his golden place in history as a social reformer and topping the poll at the next election, by putting a total ban on all alcohol advertising. - Yours, etc.,
GERARD SHEEHY, Grove Lawn, Blackrock, Dublin.