26 NOVEMBER 2005, Page 23

Nicotine lovers

From Jim Dunne

Sir: I agree with the general thrust of Guy Adams’s argument (‘Bullying for charity’, 12 November) but he is wrong about smoking in pubs. The Republic of Ireland introduced its ban last year and the effects have been entirely positive. Non-smokers enjoy the cleaner atmosphere but smokers, too, come out ahead. The smokers have a sense, literally, of togetherness. I know of one couple, now married, who met for the first time as they smoked outside their local.

Jim Dunne Dublin