Sir, – In its submission on plain packaging, Ibec has expressed concern that this public health measure might have negative consequences for other industries. The tobacco industry and its allies would like us to believe that tobacco is just like any other product.
This ignores the fact that tobacco as a lethal addictive drug is in a category of its own. The vast majority of people who become addicted start smoking as children.
In fact it is the most lethal consumer product ever marketed and kills when used as it is supposed to be used.
The Government should do as the Australians have done and stand up to the bullying of the industry. Our children would not thank us for doing otherwise. – Yours, etc, Dr PAT DOORLEY Chair of the RCPI policy group on tobacco Royal College of Physicians of Ireland 19 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2.