War on tobacco - A welcome imposition

Anything that can be done to discourage people from smoking is to be welcomed. Anything that can be done to try to help smokers break their self-destructive habit is to be encouraged.

Yesterday’s Government decision to limit cigarette packaging to the kind of images that would test all but the most determined smoker — or tobacco addict if you prefer — is very welcome.

Those still smoking, and there are far, far too many, are prepared to pay nearly €10 for 20 cigarettes so continually making tobacco more expensive does not seem as effective a deterrent as it might be.