Sir, – It is disappointing to read that after Fianna Fáil’s latest think-in, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has no immediate plan to curb the use of vapes (“So much thinking, so little change: the uneasy stability of Irish politics”, Politics, September 12th).
It was clear from at least 2021 that vapes were becoming an enormous public health issue. The prevalence of their use among children and teenagers is astounding. Despite the fact that cigarettes are more or less invisible in the modern convenience store, many vapes and nicotine pouches are bright and vibrant.
Ultimately, this demonstrates the most pervasive issue in Irish politics today – a problem only exists once it becomes a political problem. If the public do not create a furore, TDs simply turn a blind eye. This is the type of reactionary and cowardly politicking that has led to the failure to address so many of Ireland’s problems. – Yours, etc,
DIARMUID CAHILL,
Glenageary,
Dublin.