"If there is any justice left in New Zealand, the case brought by Janice Pou against two tobacco companies will be thrown out of court," said Libertarianz health spokesman and deputy leader Richard McGrath.

"What we have here is another example of someone refusing to admit that she chose to smoke tobacco, when the potential adverse effects and likelihood of increased health problems associated with tobacco smoking were public knowledge," added the Masterton doctor.

"Ms Pou may be dying of cancer, and this is a tragedy for her personally and for her family," said McGrath. "And of course she feels angry, as it appears her life will end twenty or so years prematurely. But no-one forced her to smoke. That is the crucial issue here. The tobacco companies are no more guilty of causing her death than automobile manufacturers who supply vehicles involved in fatal road accidents.

" If elected, Libertarianz would push for deregulation of the tobacco trade and remove of the excise tax. Libertarianz also believe taxpayers should not be forced to fund anti-smoking campaigns, but that it is up to voluntary organisations, health insurance companies and individuals to pay for with their own money if they so wish” McGrath concluded.

ENDS

Dr Richard McGrath
Libertarianz Deputy Leader
* Fax 06 377 3070
* Phone 025 2300 868 *
*mcgrath@no-income-tax.com

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