FF unrest grows over smoking ban
At least 13 Fianna Fáil deputies have publicly expressed doubts about the minister’s proposal to impose an outright prohibition on smoking in the workplace from January 1 2004.
Tipperary South TD Noel Davern, who has led the opposition, says that up to 50 TDs of the 81-strong parliamentary party are against the ban. He also says five ministers have expressed private doubts about the move.
The parliamentary party will debate the matter in September.
While all but a small number of backbench Fianna Fáil TDs support the rationale underlying the ban, a number yesterday expressed reservations about the impact it would have for smaller rural pubs.
North Kerry TD Tom McEllistrim said he was in favour of a “compromise” that would have a 50/50 split in pubs for smokers and non-smokers.
Other FF TDs who say they want a compromise are Ollie Wilkinson, Michael Collins, Noel O’Flynn, Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh, and MJ Nolan, who says the plan is too rigid and severe.
“We have to be realistic and understand that there’s a group of people who do enjoy a smoke and a pint whose rights need to be recognised,” he said.
Cork deputy Billy Kelleher said he was in favour of a gradual phasing-in of the ban.
“I support the principle but believe there should be a transition period,” he said.
Roscommon TD Michael Finneran is strongly opposed to the proposal. “I am in favour of some kind of compromise that would not make criminals of people who have a smoke and a drink at the same time,” he said.
Other FF TDs, including Tony Killeen, Joe Callanan, John Carty and John McGuinness said they wanted the matter fully debated by the parliamentary party. Two deputies, Pat Carey and Barry Andrews, however, fully supported the measures.
Mr Martin is adamant the proposal will not change. His position was confirmed by Mr Davern yesterday.
“I tried to and failed to get anywhere with him,” he conceded, before warning: “This will have consequences. It is political correctness gone mad.”
A Department of Health spokeswoman said the minister had reiterated that a a bar or restaurant worker’s health could not be viewed differently from that of an office worker.
“The minister announced it in January of this year. Given the unequivocal nature of the advice he received on environmental tobacco smoke, he moved as quickly as was practicable to implement the ban. The position has not changed since January.”
A Government spokesman added: “The relevant legislation was enacted on foot of a Government decision. The Government fully supports the Minister’s position.”
However, former Irish international rugby star, Peter Clohessy, yesterday urged the Government to reconsider.
The Limerick-based publican has teamed up with the Irish Hospitality Industry Alliance, which aims to put forward alternatives to the ban.
“The ban is going to be a complete disaster. Has the Government taken into consideration the serious consequences it’s going to have on business?” he said.
