Mary White (Fianna Fail)

It was not rebel music, it was rap music and it was blaring out of the windows, causing noise pollution in the whole area. I went into the pub and was met by a phalanx of drunks who were totally stocious at 6 p.m. a mere 100 yards from where Senator Ó Murchú was giving his inspirational speech.

Directly across the road from the pub there is a beautiful Centra store. It closed at 6 p.m. and the staff took in the litter bins from outside the store because they wanted to maintain the standard of their shop-front and avoid the dumping of ugly glasses and bottles by people leaving the pub. The shop-front was immaculately kept. People must take responsibility for their premises and we must become more continental in our actions. There was a complete contradiction in this situation, with raucous music 100 yards from this inspirational speech about our history.

I deal with many multiple retail outlets and it is rare that one sees litter around their shops because they are conscious of their public image and want to keep the shop-front clean. On the Sunday morning after a rugby match, however, the litter bins on streets of this town are overflowing and Baggot Street is covered in litter. Private enterprise means that the retail outlet will keep its property clean.

I agree that these are the only places where food is available at night and we should do everything to help late night take-away outlets, but they will be further enhanced if they take responsibility and do not allow rowdy people to gather around them. There will be better customers coming at night if they are not afraid. In Dundrum there is a fabulous Macari's chip shop. If I thought the street was tidy and safe at night I would go down if I was hungry, but I know that there will be hell for leather down there.