The North Mayo coroner, Dr Mickey Loftus, said in Ballina yesterday he would continue to criticise the abuse of alcohol "as long as those who have their hands on the lever of power in our society continue to ignore their clear responsibility". Dr Loftus, presiding at a number of drink-related inquests, criticised senior political leaders for sanctioning "this tragic farce", by lending their names and positions to drink firms which exploited the summer festivals for extra sales.
Our leaders were being used as powerful pawns by drinks companies, Dr Loftus said.