Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

BBC website

Here's how the world reacted to the Kerry drink-driving story

The story of how Kerry County Council voted for a plan to allow rural drivers to have ‘two or three drinks’ has made a lot of headlines today. Here’s just a sample.

THE STORY OF how Kerry County Council voted for a plan to allow rural drivers to have ‘two or three drinks’ to combat rural isolation has, understandably, made a lot of headlines today.

But it hasn’t just been in Ireland: the story of the bizarre (and unenforceable) motion passed by the councillors has been picked up by newspapers and news websites around the world.

Predictably, some of the stories have focused on Irish attitudes to alcohol (one US journalist tweeted: “So Ireland is considering legalising drunk driving. Or as the Irish call it, ‘driving’”). A large number of them focused on rural isolation and the argument put forward by Councillor Danny Healy-Rae – who proposed the motion – that the strict rules around drinking and driving are adversely affecting older people and communities in parts of the country.

Here’s a round-up of how the story was covered.

At one stage this afternoon the story was the fourth most-read article on the BBC News website:

Gawker illustrated its article with an atypical image of a drink driver in rural Ireland:

The Huffington Post focused on the argument put forward by Healy-Rae and others that the permit system could help to stop depression among older house-bound people:

The Toronto Star began the article by asking “Where else but in Ireland, where the pub life is woven into the country’s cultural fabric, would this happen?’:

Euronews noted that the “controversial motion” was supported by a number of councillors who are themselves publicans:

As with many of the other reports, ITV News focused on criticism of the idea:

The story spread as far as Australia: News.com.au led with Danny Healy-Rae’s reaction to the government’s dismissal of his idea:

Read: Kerry councillors back plan to allow drink-driving ‘in moderation’ >

Read: Government dismisses Healy-Rae’s bid to relax drink-driving limit in rural areas >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
239 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micheal
    Favourite Micheal
    Report
    Jul 27th 2012, 5:21 PM

    Disgraceful behaviour on the part of the HSE.

    Yet another reason (if you needed another one), why the Irish doctors can’t wait to evacuate this system.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rory Conway
    Favourite Rory Conway
    Report
    Jul 27th 2012, 6:30 PM

    Consultant Doctors charge huge fees in addition to Common Contract salaries. This impasse is terrible. Can they not survive on less than €500k pa ?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micheal
    Favourite Micheal
    Report
    Jul 27th 2012, 6:36 PM

    I’m not sure where you’re going with the 500k pa, but it’s not happening in Ireland. Absolute Highest any consultant can earn is 190k. Get your facts straight before landing straight in on your head.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute limofax
    Favourite limofax
    Report
    Jul 27th 2012, 8:25 PM

    I presume thats into the hand Michael, because I know plenty who earn far more than your figure.

    10
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Micheal
    Favourite Micheal
    Report
    Jul 28th 2012, 12:29 AM

    Actually, if they’re getting it into the hand, you’re not paying their wages, therefore, not your business.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SeanNorris
    Favourite SeanNorris
    Report
    Jul 27th 2012, 7:30 PM

    Is this going to be the first (public) test of Crokes Park agreement?

    4
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds