Madam, – The current political debacle about lowering drink driving limits offers an interesting comparison with the debate in 2003-2004 concerning the introduction of the smoking ban. Then, and now, about 20 to 30 Fianna Fáil backbenchers allowed themselves to be spooked by the publican lobby, who used the spectre of a disappearing rural Ireland as a key point in their argument to retain the status quo and bolster their vested interest.
Then, and now, (having checked with the Road Safety Authority), not one community-based organisation that actually represents the real interests of the rural population has posted an objection to the proposal to reduce the drink driving limits. In 2003-2004 key government ministers also buckled under the publicans’ pressure, but the taoiseach of the day showed his mettle by facing them all down and supported his minister. One hopes that the current Taoiseach shows the same leadership as his predecessor.
What is notably different today, however, is the response from the Opposition benches. In 2003-2004 the key spokespersons on the smoking ban on the opposition benches, deputies Mitchell, McManus, Gormley and Ó Caoláin, showed true political leadership by keeping the minister for health and the government under constant pressure, both in the Oireachtas and in the media, in order to ensure that there was no last-minute about-turn on this important public health initiative.
This they did despite the formidable publican lobby and indeed some opposition from within their own ranks. Today, the silence from the Opposition and lack of real engagement on this issue is regrettable. The electorate is entitled to know what their position is on the drink-driving issue in a clear and unambiguous manner. – Yours, etc,