Sir, – I write in support of the points made by solicitor Pól Ó Murchú (December 27th) on the nonsensical application of security searches at Dublin airport.
On December 20th I had a jar of duck fat confiscated for reasons similar to those of Mr Ó Murchú’s client. The duck fat was completely solid, having been in a fridge overnight. The security official said the rules were: “no liquids or gels above 100ml allowed”. Solid duck fat is neither a liquid nor a gel but there was no room for any discussion. The same official allowed a kilo of – equally solid – butter through without question. (Semtex has about the same consistency as chilled butter). If the duck fact had contained a wick and had been called a “candle” it would not have been confiscated. Or if it had been called “duck butter” instead of duck fat, it would have fulfilled its destiny to produce perfect roast potatoes (from the Irish spuds in the same hand-luggage) for an Irishman celebrating Christmas abroad.
The amount of anger and frustration such unthinking and insensitive bureaucracy causes is immeasurable. It severely damages goodwill to this country, while at the same time, adds nothing to the security of flights. – Yours, etc,