Drink proposals - Spineless and pathetic leadership

THE Government yesterday funked an opportunity to begin to confront the country’s drink crisis. What had been flagged as a decisive intervention has turned out to be yet another spineless, feeble, pathetic dodge.

The proposals — off-licences must close at 10, the gardaí can take drink from those they believe to be under 18 and a few minor details about positioning of drink in supermarkets — are cowardly and will make no difference to the toll drink exacts on our society.

They are another victory for behind-the-scenes lobbyists working for the big guns of the drinks industry.