Madam, - I am certain that future students of political science will one day be studying the phenomenon of the smoking ban so recently introduced throughout this State. Already we see other countries watching Ireland with amazement and interest - amazement at the courage with which Micheál Martin pursued this policy and interest in how it is working so successfully.
Originally my position, as a vintner and a councillor, was that this was something that could be introduced only gradually, that it represented such a culture shock that it wouldn't work unless people were eased into the change. But events to date seem to have proved me wrong. I am impressed and surprised at the general good humour and grace shown towards the law that all customers have shown. This is an opportunity for all to eliminate or reduce smoking from their own personal lives.
My own mother passed away a few years ago, and she maintained that her smoke-filled years behind the bar was a major contributor to the cancer that took her young life. A new awareness exists today of such dangers. It is to the credit of our customers and friends that, given the leadership and respect they deserve, they have so generously, often at personal cost, embraced the new order. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr MICHAEL O'SHEA,
Main Street,
Milltown,
Co Kerry.