Irish Drugs Debate: No Silver Bullet

by Alastair Moore

Monday night saw Ireland’s minister for responsibility for drug strategy, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin clash with Manix Flynn in a tense TV debate. The show was the Claire Byrne Live show on RTE. Byrne was following up on a piece where she talked to users, service providers and business owners across Dublin city. Tony Duffin of Ana Liffey Drug Project led RTE down some of Dublin’s back alleys just as he did with VolteFace before Christmas.

The show was also guested by Richard Branson.

 

Yesterday, Hotpress Magazine reported on the showdown between Flynn and Ó Ríordáin,

Citing fact-based evidence from Australia, the Minister said they will save lives and reduce HIV and other infection rates, while Flynn, with his trademark bluster, dismissed the initiative as political smoke and mirrors in the run-up to the next election.

Reactions were mixed bit it is good to see the issue being debated as something of great importance – especially as Ireland heads towards its general elections.

The twittersphere saw many positive tweets supporting Medically Supervised Injection Centres and the associated but separate issue of decriminalisation in Ireland.

And there were of course those who chose to tweet their disapproval of such harm reduction measures.

https://twitter.com/GerardKennelly/status/686688800664383488

Keep your eyes on Ireland as we head into 2016.

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