The Good Friday drink and the judge

There is a story circulating in the Irish media today about gardaí who prosecuted Galway restaurants for serving drink last Good Friday.

Judge Mary Fahy decided not to record convictions against the nine restaurants. She said the prosecutions were 'ludicrous' and 'ridiculous'.

The restaurants were breaking the law.

Earlier today an Irish radio station contacted this blogger and asked what his views were on the issue.

When I pointed out that it was a question of law and nothing to do with anything else I was asked what I thought priests would think. I explained that under no circumstances could I dare to speak for 'priests'. I stressed that this was a legal matter

I was then asked did I know of any priest who might object. When it was suggested to the radio station that they might simply be looking for 'some clown' who would do a rant on the issue, all interest evaporated. End of telephone call.

It is an interesting story of news management and the type of material some print and radio media disseminate. But it also gives a view or snapshot of what some media think of 'priests'.