The smoking ban has received strong support today from the Scottish First Minister, Jack McConnell, who was in Dublin on a visit to assess the impact of the smoking ban.
Mr McConnell told RTÉ Radio that while he had initially been a sceptic on the issue, he had really enjoyed the smoke-free environment here during his visit.
He said that he was certain the ban would become a selling point for Ireland in years to come, and that it was a real marketing opportunity for this country.
He added that Scotland should maybe follow suit.
Speaking after meeting Mr McConnell, the Minister for Health, Micheál Martin, predicted a public revolt if any attempt is made to relax the legislation banning smoking in enclosed workplaces.
Mr Martin told RTÉ News that he did not believe the Government would change direction on the issue after the expected cabinet reshuffle this autumn.
Any such move would result in a ‘public revolution’, Mr Martin said.
