Madam, - Daniel O'Brien (February 28th) asserts that most smokers are "in favour of the smoking ban". This may, perhaps, have been the case after its initial introduction. However, a straw poll in my own local hostelry would indicate little, if any, support for the ban among smokers, following our recent "winter of discontent" - last week's cold snap being a case in point.
Personally, I have grown weary of having my social life seriously curtailed as a result of this ban, in effect being held under house-arrest whenever the weather is unpleasant. Even my non-smoking friends are displaying increasing irritation with the generally grumpy atmosphere in the bar, the constant breaks in conversation and the game of musical chairs that ensues whenever one or more of their companions has to go outside to light up.
For the record, I would certainly support reasonable legislation that gives due regard to the rights of smokers and non-smokers alike, as has recently been implemented in England, Wales and Italy. But I suppose that would be too much to expect from the Government, political parties and trade unions of this country. - Yours, etc.,
SEÁN MAY, Rialto Cottages, Rialto Street, Dublin 8.