Rural pub crisis – Transport plan is hard to swallow

NO DOUBT the Government will be accused of subsidising people’s drinking habits following the bizarre proposal from Minister Éamon Ó Cuív to introduce measures before the General Election to counter the demise of rural pubs.

The Minister for Community, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs insists he is not encouraging drinking. But he is electioneering.

With punters fearful of being put off the road by aggressive 24-hour enforcement of new drink driving laws, aimed at reducing carnage on our roads, the threat hanging over rural pubs is an unintended consequence of the garda crackdown.

But is the minister serious about improving a rural transport service which at the best of times is pathetic, just to bring pensioners to the pub for a pint? At virtually no extra cost to the taxpayer? And what happens after the election?

Rural Ireland needs a more effective transport policy, not a political stunt. Does Mr Ó Cuív take people for fools?