FF unrest grows over smoking ban

HEALTH MINISTER Mícheál Martin is facing increasing opposition from TDs within his own party over plans to ban smoking in pubs.

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.