Independents slammed as ‘clowns’ in drink driving row

A MAJOR split is developing within the Independent Alliance over the issue of a free vote on proposals by Shane Ross to end the loophole where drivers found with an alcohol limit of between 50mg and 80mg per 100ml are not put off the road.

Currently, such drivers receive three penalty points and a €200 fine if it is their first offence.

The Transport Minister has slammed this ‘bizarre loophole’ and wants to see such drivers disqualified.

But, in an embarrassing move, two Independent Alliance TDs, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Seán Canney are demanding a free vote on the issue.

Fianna Fáil are also opposed to what sources describe as ‘another attack on rural Ireland’.

Independent Alliance sources said: ‘The “lads” have serious “moral reservations” on the issue.’ Government sources dismissed the possibility of a ‘free vote’ noting, ‘this is for issues of conscience like abortion, the Alliance are making clowns of us all to suggest it should be applied to fellows having pints in the pub.’