Martin clears the air, but the sick and elderly still feel coalition chill

THE Minister for Health has given us a smoking ban. The Tánaiste wants to look after elderly people.

The minister for social welfare is reviewing the cuts in widows' entitlements. Isn't God in his heaven? Isn't everything right with the world? Yeah, right.

But let's start with credit where it's due. Well done on the smoking ban, Minister Martin. There's been a lot of opposition, it has required steady resolve, and it will do a lot of good.