Smoking ban: Govt must listen to the people and professionals

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd Jul 2004

ALLIANCE Health Spokesman Kieran McCarthy MLA has said there is no real reason why the Government cannot introduce a ban on smoking in public places.

Alderman McCarthy stated: "If smoking is to be banned in civil service offices, there is no reason why this cannot apply to every workplace. I am firmly in favour of a ban on smoking in public places, and have been impressed by the way in which the Irish Republic has successfully implemented its own ban.

"Eighty percent of people in Northern Ireland want a workplace prohibition, and thousands of doctors from the BMA have already called on Tony Blair to introduce it as soon as possible. It's time for the Government to listen to the people and the professionals.

"While I believe the Government will act, it must not delay, as there is evidence to suggest that passive smoking is much more harmful than was first thought. Organisations such as the GAA are taking the lead on this issue, and I hope others follow.

"Everyone has the right to breathe clean air and not to have to suffer ill heath or disease because of someone else's lack of consideration. It's time to stub it out once and for all."