Coveney denies FG-Labour rift over alcohol bill

The Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney is denying any rift between Fine Gael and Labour Ministers over a new plan to clamp down on alcohol abuse.

Labour's Junior Health Minister Roisín Shortall is championing the proposals - which contain measures such as a minimum price and changes to advertising and sponsorship.

However, some Fine Gael Ministers - including Coveney - have expressed reservations about aspects of the document - which was due to be discussed by Cabinet today.

The plan has been taken off this week's agenda - however, Minister Coveney says some discussions have already taken place: "I have already had long discussions with Roisín Shortall and they have been very amicable discussions.

"I think she has done a good job and when the proposals come for final discussion before cabinet I'll have some things to say.

"I will be strongly supportive of her in some of the proposals but I think some of the proposals need more discussion."