Lessons to be learned from outing of Charles Kennedy as heavy drinker

[NewGoldDream]

Any serious illness will have a negative impact on ones ability to function normally.

True, but I think there are particular connotations with the word "alcoholic" that separate it from other illnesses. It is more closly allied to one's character, and strength of character, than saying someone has cancer - maybe that is a wrong perception but think it is out there. I think it implies an inability to cope.

[Sam Lord]

Churchill once outraged a society dame sitting next to him at dinner.

"You sir," she said, "are drunk!"

"And you mam," he retorted, "are ugly. But at least in the morning I'll be sober".

[Limerick Lad]

Unless the person themselves has admitted publicly to being an alcoholic labeling them as such is probably risking being sued for slander or libel despite perhaps evidence of them being publicly inebriated as was alleged against Charles Kennedy, while one person may view some one's drinking as alcoholism another person may view a similar consumption of alcohol while bordering on excessive occasionally as not alcoholism per se.

[Baron von Biffo]

True, but I think there are particular connotations with the word "alcoholic" that separate it from other illnesses. It is more closly allied to one's character, and strength of character, than saying someone has cancer - maybe that is a wrong perception but think it is out there. I think it implies an inability to cope.

Ascribing an illness to a lack of character says more about the commentator than the sufferer.

[asset test]

What did Nell Mc Cafferty say on Newstalk this week? Or is that censored.

[Congalltee]

Ascribing an illness to a lack of character says more about the commentator than the sufferer.

Any alcoholic who is a politician, garda, teacher, judge, civil servant etc who is unwilling to be treated for alcoholism should be sacked. If they are treated and fail again, they should possibly get one more go in the last chance saloon, but otherwise they should be disposed of. A near bankrupt state cannot afford to carry such dead wood.
The private sector should then adopt the same standard. Zero tolerance.

[White Horse]

The leader of FF and Taoiseach of this Republic is widely and persistently rumoured to drink too much.

Similar rumours about Charles Kennedy (then leader of British Lib Dems) circulated in Britain for a year or more until his outing by Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight in 2002 when Paxman said to Kennedy: "Does it trouble you that every single politician to whom we have spoken while preparing for this interview has said the same thing, 'You are interviewing Charles Kennedy, I hope he's sober'?"

Is there any prospect of a similar question being addressed to Brian Cowan on Irish TV or radio?

Such a question should only be asked if the alleged alcohol consumption was affecting the job performace of the person in question.

I may not agree with Mr. Cowen on most issues. However, I see no evidence that such a question is merited.

[Congalltee]

What did Nell Mc Cafferty say on Newstalk this week? Or is that censored.

That is in the same league as Emmet Stagg's journey to the Phoenix Park many years ago. It must not be discussed. By anyone. At anytime.

[asset test]

That is in the same league as Emmet Stagg's journey to the Phoenix Park many years ago. It must not be discussed. By anyone. At anytime.

Whaaat!!! better go to the podcast, if it's still there that is. What show was it, at least I can be told that surely?

[NewGoldDream]

Ascribing an illness to a lack of character says more about the commentator than the sufferer.

Possibly, but I suspect if you see someone stagger out of a pub you will find more who would look on with contempt than with pity, more who will think 'what a bum' than 'I wish they spent more of my taxes helping him conquer his affliction'.