The Strategic Use of Argument in Tobacco Control: The Case of Workplace Smoking Bans in Ireland

Jurgen De Wispelaere, Trinity College Dublin
Carlos Bruen, University College Dublin/London School of Economics

Abstract

This paper discusses the debate leading up to the workplace smoking ban, instituted in Ireland on 29 March 2004. The first comprehensive ban of its nature, the Irish case is considered an important test for radical tobacco control policy. Building on the pioneering work of Jon Elster on “the strategic use of argument”, we claim that the single-mindedly focus on equally securing public health in the workplace for all workers contributed to the successful legislation and implementation of the controversial measure in Ireland. By expanding the concept of the workplace to include restaurants, pubs and other establishments in the hospitality sector, the proposed legislation produces public health benefits well beyond the strict remit of the workplace. We argue that the strategic use of the equal health argument serves a number of important purposes, and merits closer scrutiny. This paper outlines the main findings of a computer-based analysis of the debates as reported in two main Irish newspapers, and discusses the results of our empirical analysis in the light of our main hypothesis.