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Debate on drug abuse is needed
Of the hard drugs, cocaine has always had the best press. The approving words "recreational" and "lifestyle" are regularly associated with its use. "Cocaine is God's way of saying you're making too much money," the actor Robin Williams once joked. Yet, as a report released yesterday by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs confirms, cocaine is addictive, dangerous, and associated with a wide range of physical and psychological effects, particularly when combined with alcohol. It is predominantly an urban drug but by no means confined to the rich. The evidence of a sharp rise in abuse here is alarming and the report's call for a greater focus on cocaine-specific strategies should be followed through. p
A vulnerable heritage
A Joni Mitchell song complained about rampant commercialism with the words "they paved paradise and put up a parking lot". It is a cautionary verse at a time when Ireland has much to be proud of but so much to lose. The last Ice Age ensured we have a limited range of wildlife compared to our European neighbours, and we owe it to our children to protect that vulnerable heritage. A three-year study of the impact of different kinds of farming on wildlife, involving 180 farms from Sligo to Cork,is to be conducted by scientists from UCD. p
Opinion
Job losses highlight failings of welfare system
State support fails to address realities of labour market and does not deploy resources properly, writes David Begg p1932 lesson: future matters most to voters
Fianna Fáil first came to power 75 years ago today to replace a party 'out of touch' with the people, writes Ciara Meehan pNorth puts the past behind it
There are easy and hard ways to try summing up Northern Ireland today. The easy way is to sigh that tribal allegiance still swamps real politics. It is a little more difficult to admit real changes. p
An Irishman's Diary
In a sobering coincidence, Allied Irish Banks and the bookmaking firm Paddy Power both announced their 2006 results this week. AIB's profits were up a whopping 60 per cent, while the bookies' profits whopped too, with a 51 per cent rise. It may be useful to reflect on this coincidence if you tune in to the Cheltenham Racing Festival next week and hear any of the horses described as a "banker". p
