Are we a nation of functioning alcoholics?

Arthur’s Day: Traditionally a time for handwringing about where we are as a nation. Commentators will ask: What can we do to change our preoccupation with alcohol? That battle is long lost.

Let’s just assume we are a nation of borderline functioning alcoholics and shur-what-harm-is-an-oul-drink? Let’s also assume the government will always lack the stones to do anything about alcohol sponsorship.

The best way to deal with our drinking is to give people something else pleasurable to do. I’ve a suggestion from abroad. In fact, not just a suggestion from abroad, it’s a suggestion from the past. Baths. Last week I spent four glorious hours in the palatial surroundings of the Széchenyi baths in Budapest.