Sir, – Given your stated approval of the alcohol price-fixing measures announced by Government (Editorial, February 6th) and consistent support over the last decade for the neo-prohibitionist agenda generally, can we now expect The Irish Times to announce it will refuse to carry any more alcohol advertising in its pages? Will you now also redact from your daily sports pages any mention of the various beer brands that have such a close association with international sporting tournaments?
Indeed, if you want to demonstrate full commitment to rescuing Ireland from this terrible crisis, will you now also dispense with John Wilson’s excellent wine column in the Magazine section?
Such a loss would make your organ less attractive for the average, non-binge drinking reader who spends his or her Saturday nights at home by the fire, enjoying a nice glass of Rioja while leafing through the supplements – rather than standing outside a high street chipper starting fights with passers-by.
But in the war on hazardous drinking, it seems we must all endure some hardship for the common good. – Yours, etc,
PHILIP DONNELLY,
Clane, Co Kildare.