MEP calls for Sinn Fein minister to join in anti-smuggling stance

There is a call for Sinn Fein's two northern ministers to join an EU campaign to stamp out cigarette smuggling, following reports that the IRA is heavily involved in the trade.

Munster MEP John Cushnahan says that Martin McGuinness and Bairbre de Bruin have an important role to play.

John Cushnahan was speaking following the release of an EU Court report, which revealed that over €2.6m was lost last year because of cigarette smuggling.

The street trade is becoming an increasing problem as criminal gangs turn their attention to the large profits available.

Mr Cushnahan said the two ministers should use their party's influence with the IRA to bring an end to such activities.

He also called upon the Departments of Health and Education and their Stormont counterparts to aid the EU in future anti-smoking promotional campaigns. He added that the money lost to the smuggling of cigarettes would be far better spent on preventing Irish teenagers from taking up the habit than in the pockets of paramilitary gangs.