McConnell closer to Scottish smoking ban

Scotland's first minister has said he is "more convinced" of the case for following Ireland's lead in banning workplace smoking.

 

Visiting Dublin on Tuesday Jack McConnell said seeing the popularity and effectiveness of the ban had been overwhelming and hugely influential.

 

"I am certainly more convinced now that at the very least something approaching an all-out ban is enforceable, practical and desirable in Scotland," he said.

 

The extent of any ban in Scotland's public places will be outlined in a statement before Christmas.

 

Until the visit McConnell was very sceptical of a blanket ban but he said the reaction to the measure in the Ireland had been impressive.

 

"There is a very strong signal coming from Ireland that there are more benefits in having a consistent ban," the first minister said.

 

"I am now much closer to the idea that a consistent ban could be advantageous and would make such a law much easier to observe."

 

The visit is part of a public consultation on a potential ban, which is due to end next month.

 

Irish health minister Micheal Martin advised McConnell not to be worried about the backlash such a controversial move could provoke.

 

"The ordinary punter on the street wanted this to happen and it is they who made it happen," he said.

 

"It has turned out to be a very popular measure and has transformed lives."