A failure of leadership? Why Northern Ireland must introduce a total ban on workplace smoking.

The decisionby ShaunWoodward, Northern Ireland's Minister for Health, Social Services, and Public Safety to opt for only a partial ban on smoking in public places has been greeted with widespread incredulity. Smoking kills'about 3,000 people in Northern Ireland every year, nearly as many as died in all the years of "the troubles", and his decision flew in the face ofa widespread public consultation in which 91% of over 70,000 people responding supported a complete ban.1 Ironically, as policymakers from all over the world have travelled to the Republic ofIreland where they can see, and are increasingly copying, the successful ban introduced there, the Minister seems unaware ofwhat has been achieved a short drive across the border. There is, however, a glimmer of hope, as the Minister has stated that there will be a further period ofreflection that could lead to a total ban. Given the wealth of experience of the benefits of such bans, why any more reflection should now be needed seems a mystery. In fairness, however, it must be conceded that it is easy to become confused given the torrent of misinformation emanating from the tobacco industry and its associates.