Shock tactics may be the only answer

Any proposed shock tactics that would effectively curb the horrendous consequences of alcohol abuse must be given some consideration.

As Minister of State Noel Ahern, who has responsibility for community affairs and the National Drugs Strategy, has pointed out, the softly softly approach simply has not worked.

Despite countless expensive campaigns to educate people on the dangers of alcohol abuse, the problem continues to permeate all levels of society with deadly results.