Dempsey firm on drink-drive limit reduction

EMBATTLED Transport Minister Noel Dempsey last night insisted he would force through drink-drive limit cuts, despite opposition parties accusing the Government of trying to buy time in light of an angry response to the proposal from rebel Fianna Fáil TDs.

Anger from party deputies over the crackdown appeared to prompt the Taoiseach to signal the reduction would need to be a cross-border one. However, Mr Dempsey then made it clear the Republic would press ahead with the reduction from 80mg to 50mg – effectively making it an offence to drive after drinking more than one pint of beer or a glass of wine – whatever the Northern review decides when it reports back in the next few weeks.

The drink-driving limit in the North currently mirrors that in the Republic.