Martin in Cabinet bust-up over smoking ban

HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin had a heated row with ministerial colleagues over his controversial smoking regulations at a Cabinet meeting three weeks ago, it emerged last night.

Frustrated that Mr Martin had signed the regulations before the Cabinet had an opportunity to discuss them at its meeting on October 21, a number of ministers confronted the embattled health minister, sources confirmed.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was not present at the October 21 meeting because of peace process talks in Hillsborough.