ANNE HOGAN
Madam, - We often read of the alarming rises in the rates of murder, suicide, violent crime, road deaths. With the concurrent rise in the consumption of alcohol, the connection is surely obvious.
How many more must die or be wounded on our streets, before we cry halt? A ban on all alcohol advertising and a reduction in opening hours would be a start. Where there is a will there is a way; but is there a will? - Yours, etc.,
ANNE HOGAN, Hyde Park, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
Madam, - I congratulate Ms Betty Bullock of California, who was recently awarded $28.6 billion in damages against the cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris Inc. But I am puzzled that I have never heard of the victims of alcohol addiction and excess suing drink manufacturers. Surely the victims of alcohol-related terminal illnesses, accidents, assaults, emotional traumas, financial loss, etc. have powerful cases against drinks companies, publicans, advertisers and governments for the mayhem caused by their reckless promotion of alcohol.
The question here is whether the litigious Irish could sufficiently overcome their blind love affair with alcohol to claim their just desserts. At least the unfortunate Ms Bullock has the consolation that her addiction never caused her to beat her husband, neglect her children, or drink drive, to mention but a few of the dire consequences of over-consumption of alcohol.
Of course the Government, given its current financial difficulties, will certainly not tackle the golden goose that is the alcohol industry, because it needs the revenue - regardless of the consequences for the hapless Paddys and Patricias who, it appears, need to be protected from themselves. - Yours, etc.,
ANN NAUGHTON, Bishopscourt Place, Bishopstown, Cork.