Fuming smoker

THOMAS Brennan’s letter, ‘Smoke ‘em out’ (Irish Examiner, Nov 1), is a fine example of prejudice.

He wants to punish smokers by adding 3 to the packet of cigarettes. The idea of expressing thanks to the government for saving our lives would only be a cynical exercise.

As a smoker I resent the idea of being used to help balance the budget when there is such financial waste all around us. If Mr Brennan is really that concerned about our deficit, why doesn’t he make some sort of collection?