Cullen denies undermining Martin on smoke ban

MARTIN CULLEN has denied his criticisms of plans to ban smoking in pubs were designed to undermine Health Minister Micheal Martin.

Denying that his comments were designed to force Mr Martin into a Noel Dempsey-style climbdown, the Environment Minister said: "Absolutely not, I don't think in any way it will. If anything, this may enhance the whole thing and make sure this will carry through now into a final position (i.e. a ban).''

Mr Cullen also denied that, by publicly voicing opposition to the smoking ban, he had breached cabinet confidentiality on the issue.