All smoke and mirrors

Again, tobacco has been hit in the Budget. It’s time to recognise, finally, the ongoing demonisation of tobacco is a conspiracy designed to divert attention from more serious health dangers, principally, the petrol driven motor car.

Today, more than two million cars, in Ireland, are spewing out carbon monoxide, and other dangerous gases and encouraging an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Other serious dangers include processed supermarket food, and the general convenience culture. Tobacco is, after all, a fruit of the earth, one of God’s gifts to us.

Used moderately, and sensibly, it is not harmful, at all. It requires only common sense to realise that.