Martin stands by brave decision

“FROM January, 2004, smoking will be prohibited in all places of work to protect employees and the public from exposure to the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke.”

Those are the clear, unambiguous and uncompromising words of Health Minister Micheál Martin on his controversial decision to ban smoking in the workplace, including pubs, next January. And he is standing by them.

There can be no denying a fog of ambiguity had arisen following Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s suggestion that some details had yet to be finalised by Mr Martin.