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Alcohol, misuse and abuse of, has been the cause of much
of the trouble that some suffer and all are aware of here.
So much evidence has been provided of its effects on the many
who died, were gravely injured or bereaved by its use that
no one should doubt its potency and destructiveness. Less
tragically but also must hurtfully are the results of alcohol
on those who must endure the drunken attitudes and actions
of inebriated troublemakers. So much media publicity has been
given to the bad behaviour of students, mostly in Belfast's
'Holy Land' that we need only to mention the matter.
While there have been numerous complaints to the universities
on student conduct, and pleas that they use their powers to
discipline those guilty of misdemeanour, the results were
disappointing to the residents who wanted appropriate punishment
for the guilty and stronger pressure on students to show care
and thought for them.
The promise that the university authorities will be tougher
on bad behaviour has given the long suffering people of the
area the expectancy that their lot will be happier in the
future.
We have a right to expect some sense and sensibility from
those who are getting the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions
in chosen professions and at considerable cost to the public
purse. Gratitude is best expressed in a reciprocal kindness
and thoughtfulness one with another.
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