Madam, - In response to Christopher Doyle's letter (July 21st) I agree wholeheartedly that we are led along a sugared path of promotions and advertisements for alcoholic brands, targeting us with humour, aesthetically pleasing beauty and as he puts it, "sun- drenched orchards and idyllic social gatherings", all that sells. In comparison to this, however, there have been an abundance of recent advertisements on Irish television concerning the destructive effects of alcohol on people in society today.
As a 24-year-old, these recent advertisements have made a huge impression on me, as to the consequences of drinking excessively and indeed drinking and driving. I refer to the recent advertisement in which a young adult driver ploughs through a garden wall after a few lunchtime drinks and consequently kills a young child playing in his garden. The use of shock tactics come in to play here and they are indeed very effective.
One must also bear in mind that in order to sell their products, the advertisement companies will inevitably endeavour to portray their commodity in the best, most attractive light possible. We are, however, I believe, aware of the power of advertising and aware of the health facts and so choose to consume at our own peril. - Yours, etc.,
CATHERINE RYMAN, Glenageary, Co Dublin.