Doctors back smoking ban

MINISTER for Health Michéal Martin was advised to stick to his guns yesterday and go ahead with his ban on smoking in the workplace from the start of next year.

Although the minister was embroiled in yet another crisis following the death of Róisín Ruddle after her heart surgery was postponed, he was commended for his courage in tackling the tobacco issue.

The ban on smoking in the workplace, including pubs and restaurants, is trenchantly opposed by publicans, who predict it will not go ahead.