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Irish media round-up (December 2007)

The following is a round-up of Irish media news for December 2007...

Comment is free, facts go out the window when talking about crime in Ireland

- Dublin homicide rate
  is not close to NYC

- Facts do not support
  John Waters' views 

"Comment is free, but facts are sacred" wrote Manchester Guardian editor CP Scott. It's not a surprise that many of those in the business of comment would disagree. Such as John Waters, pictured right, in the Irish Times.

Irish political parties can’t back claims that 'magic' mushroom are dangerous

Opposition spokespersons, Liz McManus, Liam Twomey and Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who each supported the ban on magic mushrooms, do not know of any evidence to suggest "magic" mushrooms are dangerous to public or individual health. They were also unaware of academic studies which conclude that "magic" mushrooms are not dangerous. The majority of politicians – despite being uninformed about magic mushrooms – have supported the stance of Minister for Health, Mary Harney, and the Government, who banned them recently. VillageMagazine.ie

Sinn Féin’s justice spokesperson, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, takes an even more illogical stance then the others, stating "I don't think that any research would change my mind". Cigarettes (and to a lesser extent, alcohol) should be banned long ago on the same bases as the mushroom ban.

No, there’s actually greater reasons to ban both. What’s that? It’d just be like prohibition in the US? And what do you think has happened to 'magic' mushroom sales?