THE idea of identity cards ('ID cards: common sense or an abuse of freedom?', September 25) has more positives than negatives.

I was a soldier serving in Northern Ireland and everyone there has to carry ID cards, including children.

This stops children buying cigarettes, alcohol, and going into pubs and clubs etc.

There is no arguing about your age, so 13-year-olds can get half fares on buses with no problems and young-looking 18-year-olds can buy what they like without getting ensnared by off-licences.

And shopkeepers cannot get prosecuted for selling contraband to underage people.

The police can also find out who people are instantly at accidents or other incidents.

P McCarthy,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:17 Thursday, September 27, 2001