Ahern urged to lead fight in tackling alcohol abuse

A group campaigning for measures to fight alcohol abuse has called on the Taoiseach to show political leadership in dealing with the matter.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with Bertie Ahern today, Action on Alcohol said a special group should be set up to tackle the abuse of alcohol and the problems associated with it.

Spokesperson Sinead Shannon said: "We're very concerned that the alcohol issue hasn't been dealt with.

"There's been a wide variety of reports, all pointing to the kind of harm that's being caused for individuals and for our society and we feel that the reports have highlighted the issues and we now need to move on and start dealing with the problem."