Sir, – Ireland’s plans to affix graphic health warnings on bottles of Italian wine is yet another sign of the creeping infantilisation of Irish society (Naomi O’Leary, “Vehemence of Italy’s reaction to wine warning plan has taken Irish diplomats aback”, World, January 26th). It started in abundance during Covid when we were constantly reminded to “wash those hands” and “look after each other”.
Now our wine bottles are to be mutilated by some half-baked graphic design reminding us of the obvious. We all know well that drinking alcohol is not good for your health. But we choose to do it anyway. Wine is nice. It adds flavour to that other heart-clogging menace, red meat.
The Italians are quite right to object and let’s hope they succeed. The Irish Government surely has better priorities. – Yours, etc,
PETER MALONE,
Punchestown Festival: ‘Genuine and never flashy’ State Man gallops to Champion Hurdle glory
Claudia Boyle: ‘There aren’t many places I’d raise a family. Dublin strikes the right chord’
Stephen Collins: Mark Carney’s win shows the appeal of a politician who rejects the woke agenda
Look inside: Period home with fresh modern decor and sea views in Monkstown for €3.25m
Clare Island,
Co Mayo.
Sir, – Further to “When did we begin to become such puritans?” (Opinion & Analysis, January 26th), does Finn McRedmond’s contention that we need not have warning labels on harmful products apply to tobacco too? Perhaps we should remove warning labels on cigarettes for fear they might impact the mental health of smokers. Or does this opinion apply only to the indulgences she enjoys? – Is mise,
KATIE HARRINGTON,
Dunmore,
Co Galway.
