Kenny’s talks with tobacco lobby criticised

The Taoiseach has been accused of jeopardising new EU tobacco laws by holding secret talks with industry representatives.

The highly controversial legislation — which has already seen the forced resignation of a European Commissioner and led to investigations by EU fraud body Olaf — is at a very sensitive stage.

Ireland, which holds the EU Council presidency, has a pivotal role to play to get member states to agree their position on the legislation.