Martin criticises Guinness' hurling sponsorship

Health Minister Micheal Martin has criticised Guinness' sponsorship of the All-Ireland Hurling Championship.

Following an announcement of new measures proposed by the Government to tackle the country's alcohol problem, Minster Martin labelled the sponsorship as "wrong".

He stated: "I honestly believe that Guinness supporting the hurling championship is a wrong message and signal to be sending out to the young people of this country.

"We're particularly conscious that alcohol advertising should not be associated with sporting success or success in other fields of endeavour.

That was always part of the voluntary advertising code, in respect of alcohol.

"It hasn't been kept. In our view, it's been broken more times than not."