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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:
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Great story, lovely to see people getting a permanent home, wishing them health and happiness in their new abodes.
Trust a politician to turn up for the foto
I love my brick. Foto, Foto…
There are 2 houses boarded up on my street in dublin 9. They have been foe over a year since the last families were evicted for drug dealing. There is another around the corner that was vacated and is now used as a changing room for the local soccer club. So there’s 3 3 bed homes not being used. What the fook are the council playing at.
It’s very positive… We could complain and moan, that someone one had to die outside the Dáil for things like this to happen but realise it’s A good news story on the back of a very tough year for the likes of poor John Corry.. Let’s hope they have a good Christmas and great credit The likes of Lord Mayor Christy Burke & all involved..
No Ray,these houses haven’t been planned, built and equipped since that poor man died near the Dail!
But I take your point. Never in the history of our decrepit little state have a government responded so quickly to a tragedyli,e that, but at least they are responding which can only be a good thing. It’s up to us, the public, to ensure that it’s not a just pre christmas, pre election stunt. We need to keep the pressure on to make sure the policy is continued and also spread nationwide. While the homeless crises in Dublin is desperate, and the govt response is making the headlines, other cities like Cork and Waterford have a similar problem which are not being tackled.
great news to hear, i wonder how long they were waiting? just 5 f****in houses though, hard work from Alone mind, they get little support only from what we give :/ and to think this government could provide 500 if they wanted but would rather pay others.
Its so good to know these few people are living in their own homes for Christmas, long may they enjoy and hopefully by next Christmas no one will be sleeping on the streets at least those who don’t want to. Happy Christmas to you.
I used to work with ALONE when i was a teenager, very long time ago, need to get finger out
and get back there , Merry Christmas to one and all, xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Once it is not a publicity stunt? What about homeless families too?
Isn’t it great that these people can now have a cup of tea by the fire in their own homes ! All the best to them
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