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.