July 08, 2004
Whingers'R'Us
Well, that rebellion didn't last too long. Fibber Magee's pub in Eyre Square in Galway had decided to flout the no smoking ban during the week. The Western Health board immediately announced an investigation (I wouldn't mind an 'investigative' job that involves hauling myself onto a barstool and calling for two pints and twenty Major).This evening, the owners had backed down, and had given a written undertaking to the Attorney General and the Taoiseach promising not to flout the ban again. I don't know what it says about the country that the both the prime minister and top legal officer in the country has got involved in a civil offence that's about as serious as a speeding ticket.
Of course, the downside was to listen to the usual whinging about how we live in a nanny state and blah blah blah. Dear God almighty, can people just get over it? The same old codology was trotted out when the government tightened up the drink-driving laws, made seat-belts compulsory and tried to make people wear life-jackets when they go out sailing. It's hardly martial bloody law, now is it? (Sometimes I think we should just let them on with it…it's not like we'd miss them from the gene pool)
What the hell is a nanny state anyway? Forty years ago, a single mother could have her children taken from her and put into a home, on the say-so of a priest. Now that's a nanny state. Whingers, get a grip.
Posted by Monasette at July 8, 2004 11:53 PM
Fibber's were so stupid to pull what they did but lucky they gave it up before the government made an example of them - which is exactly what the government would have had to do to stop pubs everywhere revolting.
As for speeding, it really pisses me off when people complain about being caught or are chuffed when they spot the checks in time. Stop speeding! it kills people.
Posted by: Alb at July 15, 2004 12:08 PM