Ireland won't ease drunken-driving law for farmers

January 24, 2013 @ 8:47 am

DUBLIN (AP) - A license to drive drunk? Some small-town politicians think it's just the tonic for rural Ireland.

Councilmen in Kerry, southwest Ireland, have passed a motion this week asking the government to create a permit that would allow isolated farmers the ability to drink a few pints and then return home in their car, or on their tractor, without fear of being busted.

Its backers say the measure is needed to combat an epidemic of boredom and depression on farms ever since Ireland imposed tough new blood-alcohol limits on drivers in 2011.

But Justice Minister Alan Shatter has shot down the proposal during a speech in parliament Thursday as "grossly irresponsible."

And a chorus of critics, including many in Kerry, has dismissed the idea as both dangerous and impossible to enforce.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
More Odd News
Top Stories

  • I-5 Bridge Collapse
    Three people were pulled from the water after I-5 bridge collapses over Skagit River

  • Ban Lifted
    Washington state leaders hail vote to allow openly gay Boy Scouts

  • There's a Zone for That
    Mapping out a plan for marijuana growers and sellers
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (2)


  • Add A Comment

  • Chrisfrommv wrote...
    why this is news?
    January 24, 2013 9:11 pm
    this does not help get rid of the classic stereotypes that's for sure!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • vern ivan wrote...
    I have to:
    January 25, 2013 4:36 am
    Seems that 'Chrisfrommv' may have had a pint or two hisself. His lead in "why this is news?" begs correction. Better 'why is this news ?' And I might ask, what is a 'classic stereotype' ? Certainly my 'black irish' breathern have avoided "typing" We don't exist in world view. A myth they say. "As the Leprechaun chuckles,under the clover,next to his pot of gold."
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }