A chara, – Dr Mary Scriven's comments (March 19th) epitomise what the anti-smoking lobby has regrettably become. What began 50 years ago as a well-intentioned campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers of smoking is now little more than an alarmist witch-hunt whose raison d'être seems to be the harassment and control of those who choose to consume this legal product.
While Dr Scriven may find the public use of e-cigarettes “rude”, “unpleasant” and “regressive”, she tellingly fails to provide any health reasons for her objection. Of course, this is because no such reasons exist.
Smokers are no different from any other addicts in that they stand a better chance of conquering their dependence if treated with encouragement and understanding. – Is mise,
Dr GARETH P KEELEY,
Gneisenaustrasse,
Dusseldorf,
Germany.
Sir, – I think it is time to stamp out the debate around electronic cigarettes. No butts. – Yours, etc,
HUGH McDONNELL,
Strand Road,
Termonfeckin,
Co Louth.