The Diageo-funded ‘Stop Out Of Control Drinking Campaign’ is like the time when Shell got involved in environmental campaigning - it’s hypocritical, writes Ruairí McKiernan
YOU couldn’t make this up. A drinks industry group has created an alcohol awareness campaign headed by the respected head of a leading children’s charity.
Sounds crazy, but this is exactly what’s happening with the new Diageo-funded ‘Stop Out Of Control Drinking Campaign’, chaired by Fergus Finlay, the chief executive of Barnardos.
Most people agree that Ireland needs to look at our relationship with alcohol. There’s hardly a family in the country that isn’t adversely affected in some way. We have a boozy reputation abroad and it seems every visiting dignitary is handed a pint before they have time to unpack their bags. This in a country where alcohol-related harm is estimated to cost every taxpayer over €3,000 per year.
In understanding this, the role of alcohol as a painkiller, needs exploring. For most people, drinking doesn’t pose a problem, but for many others it’s a cheap, accessible, and socially acceptable crutch for easing suffering and pain.
Alcohol also plays a central role in Irish culture, helping us mark weddings, funerals, and Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate celebrations. A lack of alcohol-free spaces to gather and socialise doesn’t help, nor does the example set by some of our leaders.
The controversy surrounding the Dáil ‘lapgate’ incident on the night of the 2013 abortion debate highlighted this, as did the claims of widespread drunkenness on the night the former Anglo Irish Bank was liquidated. Just last December, there were more allegations of late-night Dáil bar boozing as senators voted to pass the controversial Water Services Bill.
Source: Ruairí McKiernan, Irish Examiner, 19/02/15
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