Pub smoker targets Number 10
A smoker from the North-East wants to become Prime Minister so he can continue to smoke in his local pub.
Property developer Derek Platten has launched a political party which aims to overturn the smoking ban.
Platten from Gosforth, Newcastle, says the ban "discriminates against smokers" and should be repealed.
Everybody laughs, but I think I can become prime ministerProperty developer Derek Platten.
He hopes to field candidates in the next General Election in every constituency in the country.
He says low turn-out at elections means that if just 50% of the country's smokers voted for his party it could form the next Government.
Patten told the Journal: "Everybody laughs, but I think I can become prime minister.
"If you look at the demographics, it's possible. I was astonished myself when I did it."
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Your CommentsTony Blows via email 25/09/2006"Well said mate, you have my vote, you cant be any worse than these muppets we have in power at the moment. but dont forget you must get out of Europe as well, that would be the iceing on the cake.
Richard Elsy via email 25/09/2006"I wish the gentleman success and, given the fascist nature of this and other legislation by the Government combined with the supine performance of the opposition, would hope for a result! Good luck!"
Sharon Donald via email 26/09/2006"You can have my vote no problem. As 9.5 million people voted Labour in the last election and there are 14+ million smokers, smokers have the ability to put Labour out on the street and see how they like it. We smoke we vote."
Derek Platten via email 05/10/2006"Anyone seeking more information about the We Can Smoke Party should visit http://www.wecansmokeparty.com/index.html
All support greatly appreciated.
Derek Platten
