The bill's backers explain that increasing the BACÂ tremendously helps rural farmers fight boredom and depression by allowing them to down up to three pints of beer at the pub and legally drive home.
Critics immediately brought up the obvious danger associated with allowing farmers to drive tipsy or drunk on Ireland's narrow and windy roads, but Healey-Rae rebutted the comments by pointing out that many farmers drive tractors that move too slowly to pose a real threat to other motorists. Â He added that Kerry County is looking into enforcing a 30 mph speed limit for rural residents who have had a pint too many.Â
Five members of the Kerry County Council approved the bill last Monday. Â Three voted against it, seven did not vote and 12 did not show up to the session.
While Kerry County politicians and bar owners enthusiastically support the bill, the national government views the matter much differently.
"There is no question of this government, or indeed I don't believe any future government, facilitating individuals drinking in excess of the blood alcohol limits," affirmed Irish Justice Minister Alan Shatter. Â "It's grossly irresponsible."
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's Minister of Transportation, added that the decision conveys the world the wrong message about Ireland.
Photo by Ronan Glon.
