Sir, - Recent research by MRBI on behalf of the Office of Tobacco Control shows a massive shift in public attitudes to smoking.
The findings of this important study must lead to further concerted action by this and future governments in providing smoke-free air to citizens - wherever possible.
It is now established that there is virtually no tolerance by either smokers or non-smokers for smoking in public places. ASH Ireland also believes that the time is now opportune to ban smoking in the workplace and deal with smoking in our public houses. The banning of smoking in pubs in some parts of the United States has been hugely successful and has not affected turnover.
The tobacco industry will be disappointed with this research as it clearly demonstrates that smokers and non-smokers share similar attitudes to smoking and smoking restrictions.
It is easy to conclude that most smokers find themselves addicted to a product for which they have little tolerance or regard. It is so important that we protect as many of our young people as possible from a similar deadly addiction. - Yours, etc.,
Dr Fenton Howell, Chairman, ASH Ireland, Dublin 4.