Opposition parties have criticised comments by the Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen, on the proposed ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants.
Mr Cullen said he strongly opposes the Minister for Health's plan to introduce the ban at the beginning of next year.
Fine Gael and Labour said his remarks demonstrate a lack of leadership within the Government, and indicated that the ban may not happen on schedule.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Mr Cullen said he hated the importation of American political correctness to Ireland and pointed to what he said were the detrimental effects of the ban on tourism in New York.
Mr Cullen said he believed such a ban should be phased in gradually.
Earlier this week Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary South Noel Davern said up to 50 members of the parliamentary party were opposed to an all out ban.
Mr Davern said this group supported dedicated smoking rooms or improved ventilation in pubs.
However, the Minister for Health Micheál Martin has said there will be no compromise on health.
In the coming months he will embark on a series of public information meetings to generate support for the ban which surveys show has the support of two thirds of the electorate.
