Madam, - Well done on your recent Editorial on "drink problems" - especially your call for sports organisations to sever links with the drinks industry.
What a contradiction it is to have those involved in sport indulging in alcohol, never mind promoting it. It's too bad that sporting bodies cannot manage their finances with some Government help. The Government has a duty to promote sport from a health and social point of view.
The promotion of alcohol generally, with no event seemingly capable of attracting a crowd unless alcohol is available, is to be deplored. Government reluctance to act against this trend is sometimes excused on the grounds that massive revenue accrues from the sale of alcohol.
However, when this is balanced by the cost of alcohol-related crimes, accidents, domestic abuse, absenteeism, I cannot see how a credit can be achieved.
I am delighted to see that the profit margins on soft drinks is highlighted . It is nothing short of scandalous that this has not been addressed long ago.
What hope have we that positive and effective action will now be taken? Will pub opening hours be restricted - and don't please let us hear the excuse that tourists wish to be able to drink late at night. Most of them complain about the noise on our streets when they have retired to bed.
We can but hope that this time actions will speak louder than words. and hand-wringing. - Yours, etc.,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Ardeskin, Donegal Town.