Of course the smoking ban is primarily to blame for publicans losing money hand over fist. Stop burying your heads in the sand and stop believing the anti-smoking propaganda we are constantly fed.
Why should customers pay over the top prices for a drink and then have to go outside in all weathers to have a cigarette.
No wonder we are staying home in our droves!
Give publicans the freedom to allow smoking in their pubs if they want to. There would still be plenty of places for the anti-smokers to go to.
J.G, Manchester

There are those who keep saying that the smoking ban is not the cause of closures. Supermarket drink has always been cheaper. The credit crunch does not seem to make a difference when the sun comes out or it is warmer. How strange, today it is sunny and lots of people are outside with their smokes.
M.V

Major US investors to visit Derry
This is an excellent opportunity for Derry to redress the "Everything goes to Belfast" attitude. Martina Anderson needs to be congratulated for getting these investors to visit Derry.
B.M

As a city we need to grasp this opportunity. Since the Stand up for Derry campaign has been going there seems to have been a change in people's attitude here about getting out there and getting things done rather than hanging about waiting on someone else to do it for us and not what has been done in past "Knowing our place" and keeping quiet.
S.S

Inishowen car seizures 'breach law'
The more little rally drivers off the road the better.
T.M

A four-day frenzy in Festival City!
Just a short note to say a big thank you to the people of Derry for a wonderful weekend! From our first gig at Foyle International Golf Centre through Saturday's impromptu gig at The Tower Hotel and culminating in a stunning final night at The City Hotel. The reception we got was superb. I know I speak for the rest of the band in saying thank you to Derry and roll on next year!
Iain Ewing (singer with Brass Impact Big Band)
Glasgow