TD Deasy sacked in smoking row

Fine Gael TD John Deasy has been sacked from the party's front bench for smoking in the Dáil bar.

The Waterford TD smoked a number of cigarettes in the bar on Tuesday night.

He had asked for a member of staff to open a door to allow him to smoke outside.

When the staff member refused, he lit up a cigerette in the bar.

A spokesman for the party confirmed that Deputy Deasy, who has been an opponent of the smoking ban, has been dismissed from the party's front bench.

He held the justice portfolio, which has now been passed over to Deputy John O'Keeffe.

The Fine Gael Deputy has refused to comment on the matter.