Political leadership - Ban showed what politics can achieve

SIX years ago today, despite tremendous opposition from one of the world’s most powerful industries, smoking was made illegal in the workplace.

It was a victory for health policy over corporate greed; it put the wellbeing of individuals before the balance sheets of conglomerates. It was a victory for dogged political leadership and effective communication.

Because of then Health Minister Micheál Martin’s world-leading ban tens of thousands of Irish people are healthier, will live longer and do not have to worry about a tobacco-induced illness destroying their lives.