'Ming the Merciless' admits cannabis prank

‘Ming the Merciless’, a campaigner for the legalisation of cannabis, has claimed responsibility for sending "joints" to every member of the Oireachtas to mark what he says is National Legalise Cannabis Day.

Ming, whose real name is Luke Flanagan, has contested two general elections in Longford/Roscommon on the legalise cannabis ticket.

Gardai are now investigating this morning’s publicity stunt after the "joints" were discovered in the mail at Leinster House by officials screening all post because of the anthrax scare in the US.