Not that I'm particularly bothered but I feel that rather to much is being said on the smoking or more accurately no smoking issue.

I have read certain peoples views that the NHS would collapse through lack of funding if the do gooders got their way and everyone gave up, that people would live longer thus putting a tremendous strain on the pensions and housing in this country and I am sure many people have read similar so I won't quote any figures here

I am unfortunately a smoker of twenty odd years but I do support many of the views of the no smoking brigade . Firstly passive smoking --- Damn unfair for non smokers to breath in my smoke. I've bloody paid for it why should they get it for free. Long has there been a need for outside heaters etc at pubs so us smokers can get away from these freeloaders once and for all. The bar or smoke room as it used to be called should always have charged non smokers to enter even if only to pay for the free matches on the counters.

Secondly the adverts and health warnings. Please be clear on this: Smokers don't really take any notice. If a smoker wants to give up he or she will do (I did for nearly two years) but this is up to the individual . A warning on the packet makes no difference nor do expensive telly ads, in fact when I see one on the box it generally has me thinking I could do with a fag.

Finally a little spin on the nicotine gum and patches. These are wonderful inventions and should be given credit. Chew this gum for about a week to build up the nicotine in your system. Progress to a couple of Marlboro lights a day or even the menthols if you are having trouble. over the next couple of weeks start on the real stuff, gently at first like B&H. Once you can do 15 a day congratulations you've made it. Now you can try proper roll ups, Capstans, Woodbines and even Park drive.