Madam, - Michael Patton (November 25th) says the drinks industry should not be singled out by the Association of Suicidology for its contribution to the levels of suicide in this country because this disregards the industry's efforts to promote responsible drinking.
He goes on to claim that alcohol misuse and abuse are not in the interests of anyone working in the industry and that the most effective way for alcohol misuse to be tackled is for the government and the industry to continue to work together in partnership.
I disagree. Someone who misuses alcohol is, in most cases, someone who consumes more alcohol than they should. The notion that the drinks industry could play a constructive role in a process whose aim, were it to be achieved, would mean a reduction in alcohol consumption and therefore a reduction in the industry's profits is counter-intuitive, to say the least.
I would suggest that, rather than continue to work with the drinks industry to develop policies to curb alcohol misuse, The Government would do better to consult groups such as the Association of Suicidology. For such a process to be truly effective, the drinks industry's part would be limited to being informed of its outcome. - Yours, etc,
JIM McGOWAN,
Arnott Street,
South Circular Road,
Dublin 8.