Concern over grip of drinks industry

A LEADING public health specialist has voiced serious concern about the Government's closeness to the alcohol industry and increasing sponsorship of sport by drinks companies.

Dr Joe Barry, also a member of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, said many people were concerned in Britain about the drink industry's grip on Tony Blair's government, but added there was a "fairly strong grip" here as well.

Speaking at a conference in Killarney, he illustrated his talk with a photograph.