Ahern casts doubt over smoking ban start

THE January 1 starting date for the blanket smoking ban was cast into doubt yesterday after the Taoiseach said some details still need to be finalised.

While committing himself fully to the workplace smoking ban, Mr Ahern appeared to leave the door open for a delay in its introduction or an adjustment to the Minister for Health Micheál Martin’s proposals.

Admitting he previously had doubts about the dangers posed by passive smoking, Mr Ahern said medical world opinion has proven its threat to health beyond doubt and he was behind the ban.