Sir, - In the current debate on street violence, I have to say I'm amazed at the very cursory mention of alcohol. The truth is that alcohol is responsible for a very substantial number of violent attacks.
I don't drink, and sometimes when I walk home at night through Temple Bar I wonder whether I've stepped into some bizarre alternative Dublin. Between the fresh vomit, the streams of urine, the shouting yobs, the general air of disorder, and the occasional acts of violence, the easy availability of alcohol has to be blamed.
All my friends drink, and I don't object to people drinking. But I do object to the acceptance of an "English" atmosphere, in which drink-related civil disorder is accepted as unavoidable, and gardai just have to contain it as best they can.
Secondly, I don't accept the age-old Irish belief that someone who misbehaves under the influence is socially cleared of responsibility. No one is forced to drink.
So what to do? Prohibition isn't an option, politically or practically. But a tough line on public drunkenness, underage drinking and drinking on public streets should be enforced. Heavy fines should be imposed, and in particular bars which serve underage drinkers or people obviously drunk should have their nights' takings confiscated.
I'm 27 years old, I'm not a reactionary, but I'm appalled at seeing the city I was born and live in deteriorate into a yobbos' paradise. Am I on my own in feeling this? - Yours, etc.,
Jason O'Mahony, Pembroke Square Dublin 4.