Sir, - I was surprised to see Margaret Downes, chairperson of Bupa Ireland, on national television, outlining to the media the benefits of Bupa's health insurance products. Margaret Downes is, of course, also chair of Gallaher Ireland Ltd, tobacco manufacturers, whose products contribute significantly to major health problems for Irish people. Perhaps I am being a little sensitive, but is there not some form of conflict of interest here? - Yours, etc.,
Valerie Duncan, Shandon Park, Monkstown, Co Dublin.