Sir, – I refer to your report (Breaking News, February 13th), concerning the Oireachtas Health Committee hearings on tobacco and the proposal of plain packaging for cigarettes for sale in Ireland. Your report states: "Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Murphy told The Irish Times the views contained in it represent those of the Law Society as a whole, and its 10,000 members, and have been endorsed by the society as a whole, rather than the committee."
As a member of the Law Society of Ireland, I should say I was not personally consulted about or canvassed for my view on this important topic.
I am strongly opposed to the advertising and marketing of tobacco products in Ireland. I personally disclaim any support for the actions and views of the Law Society on this vital public and personal health topic.
I regret to find that my profession is associated with such a position. – Yours, etc,
ANTHONY LAYNG,
Charlotte Quay Docks,
Ringsend Road,
Dublin 4.