Iona Institute Director, David Quinn, appeared on The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk yesterday. He and Senator Gerard Craughwell debated whether or not the Good Friday ban on alcohol sales should be lifted.
David argued that in many European countries there are customs and laws that place restrictions on various forming of trading, especially Sunday shopping. The principle behind those laws and customs, and the law against selling alcohol on Good Friday (and Christmas Day), is the same; not every day should be dominated by the dictates of commerce. This is the case whether the origin of the law or custom is religious or not.
You can listen to the debate here [1].
You can read a recent briefing note we have issued about the matter here [2].