Global support for Irish bid to ban tobacco branding

The Coalition move to ban tobacco branding has been praised by health groups across the globe, in the face of increasing opposition to the radical anti-smoking plan.

Documents released under Freedom of Information reveal the extent to which groups are lobbying Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Under the plan, cigarette packs will be plain or neutral in colour, except for mandatory health warnings. Health groups say this will reduce rates of smoking.