Sir, - In response to many alarming statistics published in the media about young people's attitudes to drink and illegal drugs, I must point out that the entire population of students and young people do not live their lives as a debauched stagger from pint glass to bottle, or from tablet to joint. There is a sizeable minority who neither drink nor abuse drugs.
Speaking as a fully fledged member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, commonly referred to as the Pioneers, I must state that the presence of non-drinkers in our society is as valid as that of our brethren who drink moderately or to excess. The PTAA, now in its 99th year, can boost of over half a million members worldwide, a testament to people who can live without the prop of alcohol or drugs.
Why does the tragic death of a young person from a drug overdose eclipse a seminar with 300plus young people under 25 years from all kinds of backgrounds?
Instead of the media gaping towards the sky and moaning about the irreversible corruptness of the younger generation, it would be better if they would act in a responsible manner and help kindle a candle rather than curse the darkness. - Yours, etc.,
Shane Crombie, PRO,
Young Pioneers, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.