Transport Minister Shane Ross has responded to TDs who have criticised the stricter drink driving laws that came into effect in October.
He says the mentality some politicians have around road safety needs to be stamped out.
Writing in today's Sunday Independent, Minister Ross has described the elected officials who criticise the tougher drink driving laws as a "lunatic fringe" and "unfit for office".
He also claims there are low standards in high places when it comes to drink.
His article comes after some rural TDs voiced concerns about the increased number of breathalyser tests being carried out in the morning across the country since the Christmas period.
Over the New Year 43 people were arrested between the hours of 9.00am and midday on suspicion of drink driving, out of a total of 445 people.
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