Publicans’ arguments were ‘sickening’

I WAS sickened by the arguments and “justifications” put forward by Padraig Cribben of the VFI and publican Benny McCabe (Letters, September 4).

I grew up in rural Ireland almost 80 yeas ago. I don’t need research for my arguments.

I have seen the destructive consequences of the pub trade with my own eyes – and I live it. The so-called rural bars are in decline but neither the publicans nor their apologists ever admitted to the damage they have done.

They put music in their bars to destroy the rural dance halls. They put card games in their bars to ruin parish halls and community centres. They fed drink to people while they could stand and pay for it.

To my regret from personal experience, they tried to make those who did not wish to drink feel guilty

They never mention the cost of my drink – a little bottle of water for €2.20.

Have they no conscience for the way they facilitated the destruction of countless people’s lives?

Denis O’Connor

Doonasleen

Kiskeam

Mallow

Co Cork