Smoking at Shannon

Madam, - I recently returned to Dublin from the US, making a stop at Shannon airport

Madam, - I recently returned to Dublin from the US, making a stop at Shannon airport. As I was getting off the aircraft at Shannon I was informed by one of the Aer Lingus staff members that there was a special smoking section in the transit area; apparently the Americans had lobbied for this concession.

I didn't truly believe her and made my way there more out of curiosity than hope. I was met on the way by around 300 American soldiers who directed me to the area, which turned out to be a cage-like structure attached to the outside of the building.

As I smoked my much-needed cigarette with 50 of America's finest, I couldn't help reflecting that Micheál Martin's maniacal vision of a smoke-free Ireland was somehow being distorted to accommodate these soldiers on their way to Iraq. I wished my smoking companions well, and thanked them for their presence.

May I suggest that also we open up Dublin airport to American soldiers? Air travel is a stressful business at the best of times and with an American presence we smokers can have a wee puff before getting on board, without having to go into cold turkey. - Yours, etc,

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DARAGH O'CONNELL, Mount Merrion Avenue, Co Dublin.