Renegade TDs will not alter ban, says Martin

POLITICIANS are entitled to their views, but the smoking ban is here to stay, said Health Minister Micheál Martin yesterday as yet another backbencher publicly opposed the move.

"I didn't expect unanimity. It's clear that deputies have come under pressure from various elements," the minister said.

He remains adamant that health is the issue; cigarette smoke causes cancer and heart disease of which Ireland has one of the highest rates in Europe.

"I acknowledge people have different perspectives. Our children will thank us for doing this. There are thousands of asthmatics who can't go into bars at present," Mr Martin said.

He also dismissed any form of compromise, as suggested by Limerick West TD John Cregan, who this week came out against a total ban.

Mr Martin said he believed the public would observe the ban as they had done in cinemas and on aeroplanes.

His remarks came as he turned the sod for the 45m Brookfield Health Sciences Complex which will be the largest integrated health teaching facility in the country.