Martin to maintain iron fist on smoking ban

HEALTH MINISTER Micheál Martin will go on the offensive this week to urge the public to ensure the smoking ban is enforced and insist offenders will be punished for ignoring the clampdown.

Ahead of the workplace smoking ban this day next week, officials for Mr Martin insisted the prohibition will be policed properly, with tobacco inspectors on duty outside office hours.

Despite the failure thus far of their campaign to prevent its introduction, publicans' representatives are still adamant the smoking ban won't work and put the blame on the minister.