Smokers group defends Taoiseach

The smokers group Forest Eireann has defended Brian Cowen after the Taoiseach was seen smoking at Croke Park, a no-smoking stadium, on Sunday.

Spokesman John Mallon said, "Brian Cowen is just one of a million smokers in Ireland. What happened proves that we need to cater for smokers in public places.

"It is ridiculous that a stadium like Croke Park does not have easily accessible smoking areas where people, including the Taoiseach, can light up in comfort without inconveniencing non-smokers."

Further comment:
John Mallon - 085 219 3245