Life is constantly presenting problems of varying kinds.

Regularly My Good Self faces the problem of getting my lanky frame across town from My Official Residence to The Great Institution of Chatham Street and then back again.

Come these epic journeys there are times when I must alter course a little in order to achieve my stated aim. Roadworks, street furniture and various other obstacles can be something of a hindrance.

I do what I have to do in order to reach The Promised Land.

A similar principle applies to other difficulties in life. If one solution is not quite working then another is tried until an answer is found.

As with most cities, Dublin has a serious drug problem.

For many years the official worldwide response to this issue has been to criminalise the distribution and use of certain drugs.

It’s an approach that has failed.

Miserably.

The so called ‘war on drugs’ has been fought globally for many years now. It shows no signs of being won.

My Good Self believes it will never be won.

Criminals make vast amounts of money from drugs. People regularly die from drugs, either from misuse or from gang warfare.

For as long as drugs are illegal, this cycle will continue.

Of late there has been movement in some countries with regard to decriminalising and controlling drugs. It is not an easy thing to implement and manage.

However it can be done.

For many years in the United States there existed an illegal gambling activity called the ‘numbers racket’. These days the ‘numbers racket’ has a new name.

It’s called the National Lottery.

A more practical approach to the war on drugs is urgently needed.