The North’s health minister said today he was keeping an open mind on the introduction of a full smoking ban in Northern Ireland by 2007.
Shaun Woodward
Shaun Woodward, an ex-smoker, visited Doheny and Nesbitt's pub in Dublin, a traditional establishment that was once famous for its "pint and a smoke" customers before the Irish smoking ban came in last March.
Mr Woodward said he had been very impressed with the successful implementation of the ban.
"What we're seeing here is that people have changed to a healthier lifestyle and the decision the Government made here was frankly pioneering. New York and Dublin led the way and the rest of us are following," he said.
The Northern Ireland Office is beginning the consultation process to decide whether to introduce a full smoking ban in public places or a partial ban, which would only cover locations where food is served.
Mr Woodward said he was keeping an open mind on the end result. "What I may feel personally as someone who has recently given up . . . people may reach their own conclusions on."