Third of smokers vow to kick their habit this year

A THIRD of Irish smokers have vowed to kick the habit in 2008, motivated mostly by saving money rather than concerns for their health.

Research shows almost nine out of 10 smokers have already tried — and failed — to give up.

A survey of almost 600 smokers carried out by Empathy Research and sponsored by NiQuitin found that half do not smoke a cigarette every day, indicating a trend towards “social smoking”, which is most prevalent among the 18-24 age group.