I just returned from teaching a class in Ireland and there is a groundswell of public opposition to the smoking ban. Most of the people I talked to don't think it will ever be enforced because currently there are only four "smoking police" for the whole country. The garda have said they won't issue smoking citations. All across the country there are signs up announcing that this or that pub will remain smoking-friendly and calling it an act of civil disobedience. Several people I talked to said they thought there would be a compromise reached – many pubs have front bars and back lounges and the lounge (where the pints are more expensive) wqould go smoke-free. Jonathan Highfield Associate Professor Department of English Rhode Island School of Design 2 College Street Providence, RI 02903