Unprotected sex Too many are behaving like idiots

THE news that four out of 10 men say drink, drugs or cost discourage them from using a condom while having casual sex is a cause of despair and wonderment.

Despair that in 2007 so many young men and women are not aware of the potential consequences for themselves or their partner.

Despair that mutual disregard has reached such a high level among those who practise casual sex that they are willing to leave themselves open to the most dreadful risks. Wonderment that they can find a partner too who will take such a reckless gamble and even more wonderment that cost was given as a reason for not using condoms.

The idiosyncrasies of our fellow man are often an occasion for amusement or bewilderment but occasionally these idiosyncrasies are profoundly irresponsible. That is the case in this instance. Despite all the efforts to educate and encourage responsible social behaviour, far too many Irish people are behaving like idiots.