Put the phone away this Valentine’s Day – Lombard

A Fine Gael Senator is encouraging people to stay off their phones this Valentine’s Day and instead spend time with their loved ones.

Cork Senator Tim Lombard, a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, is behind a campaign asking people to desist from using their smart phones when socialising with friends or family.

“Since I first mooted the idea of phone free pubs and restaurants in recent weeks, I have received an overwhelmingly positive response. In my own constituency, several pubs and restaurants have taken the campaign onboard and encourage people to chat to each other rather than waste time playing with their phones while out for an evening or night.

“Today is Valentine’s Day. This is a special day where you should spend quality time with your loved one.

“But all too often, we can get side tracked and consumed with our smartphones. Spending quality time means giving that person your undivided attention. We have done it for thousands of years. Why let a modern invention detract from love, friendship and company?

“No one wants to go on a date with a device. But that’s what happens, in effect, if you sit there scrolling through your feed instead of having a chat and enjoying the company of the person you are with. Today is a timely reminder to put the phone down.

“I am currently working on legislation that will require smartphone manufacturers to inform users about the amount of time they spend on their phones each day.

“This Valentine’s Day, I’m encouraging people to put their mobiles away so that your loved one doesn’t end up on a date with a phone,” the Fine Gael Senator said.

NOTE TO EDITORS
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Ditch the phone,
And I’ll talk to you!

Link to video: https://twitter.com/FineGael/status/1095963354936467457