Madam, - Maurice Neligan is incorrect in his assertion that, because of his right to "freedom of thought and opinion, speech and expression", he is entitled to "do his own little thing" (HEALTHplus, July 1st).
The questioning of any international scientific consensus, especially one that has taken years to build, deserves the backing of scientific literature before it can be considered legitimate. I am sure Mr Neligan would expect such substantiation if another columnist questioned the link between obesity and heart disease.
In disregarding the principle of evidence-based scientific argument Mr Neligan does himself and The Irish Times a disservice. - Yours, etc,
STEPHEN DUFF, Whitehall, Dublin 9.