Sir, – Andrew Bridgen MP correctly asserts that civil libertarians and Covid deniers should not be grouped together (Letters, December 15th). He also asserts that as a civil libertarian, he believes that people should have the right to make their own choices.
I wholeheartedly agree with this. However, whenever people assert their rights, they must also accept that the exercise of those rights may have consequences.
This is where the rights of the individual bump up against the good of society. It seems clear to me that there is an overwhelming societal good attached to measures to limit the spread of Covid-19, not least the protection of our health services.
In this regard, people who choose to eschew protective measures such as mask wearing or receiving the vaccine are well within their rights but they should also expect that some elements of their lives may be curtailed as a consequence. – Yours, etc,
TIM FOGARTY,
Dunboyne,
Co Meath.