Madam, - Like Deaglán de Bréadún (Opinion, December 27th), I have decided to abstain from drinking alcohol. When people ask me why I jokingly reply: "I don't need it. I can go out and feel miserable without it."
To quote the good book (Proverbs 20.1), "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise". This makes sense even if you don't believe in God.
So, for 2005 drink and be merry, or don't drink and be merry still. But don't drink and be deceived. - Yours, etc.,
MICHAEL McGUIRE, Burt, Co Donegal.