Ann Cahill, Europe Correspondent

JUST nine months after the smoking ban was introduced, Imperial Tobacco yesterday announced the closure of its cigarette factory in Dublin with the loss of 90 jobs.

THE Government, in its determination to introduce a ban on smoking in bars and other public places, should ensure that it cannot be accused of double standards.

Before embarking on his crusade to ban smoking in the workplace and public houses, Minister for Health Micheál Martin should have checked to make sure that the Government’s house was in order.

THE Government owns €17 million worth of shares in cigarette manufacturing companies.