A politician is only as good as his word
This government is squeezing the individuality and tradition from its citizens. Over the past four years they have introduced laws which do not reflect a true appreciation of their effect.
They have reduced drink-driving limits to under one unit. The drink restrictions may be workable in cities and towns, but in rural areas it means that a lot of people have no access to pubs unless they can walk to them.
A pub in their case is not merely a place to have a drink, but a place of social interaction.
While the politicians give the impression they abhor drink-driving, one of their deputies was arrested for drink-driving and being involved in an accident. They have also stopped happy hours in pubs, yet they have not capped the price of drink Mary Harney has told people to "shop around for better prices". This is easier said than done an easier option would be to cap the selling price to limit the profit margins, just as it is illegal to sell below cost, but this may be upsetting to those who financially back these parties.
Regarding Noel Dempsey's refusal to allow Cork's lord mayor to grant half-days while visiting Cork schools. He quotes the social partnership agreement as defining the amount of free time that can be granted to students. If he was to use the same criteria for Dáil deputies then there would be a number imprisoned for non-attendance.
He cares little for the tradition which has lasted over 80 years. I find it incredible that when asked to comment on the "the Lord Mayor's day", Health Minister Micheál Martin had no comment. His silence speaks volumes for the contempt he has for the people of Cork His tenure as Minister of Health has been a series of disasters. His anti-smoking campaign is merely a smokescreen to deflect from the real issues he has failed to address. Bertie Ahern has sat back, and is watching to see how the public reacts to the campaign before he commits himself. Bertie has proved himself to be an expert at sitting on the fence. Bertie's tenure as Taoiseach has led to increases in the rate of inflation and an increasing gap between the rich and the poor. We need to remember when the next election comes around, what was promised last time round.
I hope that the electorate will remember not to forget, as, like everyone else, a politician is only as good as his word.
Kieran O'Callaghan,
Beal Na Blath,
Crookstown,
Co Cork.
