We should resist tobacco bullies

I refer to the report from Juno Mc Enroe (Aug 12) which indicates that the tobacco industry is orchestrating a campaign aimed at preventing the implementation of plain packaging of tobacco in Ireland. 

Elements of this campaign include propaganda, intimidation and attempts to discredit the scientific evidence supporting plain packaging.

Many journalists are aware of these tactics but it may not be obvious to others that the industry is behind what purports to be independent research supporting the tobacco industry’s position. Predictions of economic disaster resulting from plain packaging also originate from the industry.

The Australian government has resisted the bullying of the industry. We should do the same.

Our children and our grandchildren would not thank us for doing otherwise.

Dr Pat Doorley

Specialist in Public Health Medicine

Chair, Policy Group on Tobacco,

Royal College of Physicians of Ireland