I WANT to ask a question of all those who object to the smoking ban in public places.

If the relevant government body found out that there was a certain toxic substance in a food product on our supermarket shelves, would you complain that government officials were killjoys if they made the shops withdraw the product because of health fears?

Of course you wouldn't; in fact, if you found out the Government knew of such a thing and didn't withdraw the product, you'd all be up in arms, calling for ministers' heads.

If you want to be a bunch of self-indulgent selfish individuals who see nothing wrong in inflicting death and illness on your husbands, wives and children in your own home, fine.

Do it if that is how much you love them, but don't do it to me in public places. And stop whinging about it. It's now law, get used to it and live with it.

W Elliott,

Kinbrace Road,

Hartlepool.

Updated: 10:11 Saturday, April 22, 2006