This thought-provoking and wide-ranging study, published to coincide with the first anniversary of the smoking ban, presents a behind-the-scenes account of how the ban was brought in. The book looks at the influence of all the major players in the drama, from Health Minister Micheál Martin and other health-promotion advocates, who championed the ban, to the publicans, hoteliers, tobacco and drinks industry interests, and TDs who sometimes fiercely opposed it. "Clearing The Air” also examines the probable long-term implications of the ban for the health of the Irish people, for the hospitality sector and for international anti-smoking efforts, as countries such as Scotland and England announce plans for similar measures. The book features a foreword by Jeffrey Wigand - made famous in the Russell Crowe/Al Pacino film “The Insider” which dramatised Wigand’s courage in blowing the whistle on big tobacco in the U.S. in the 1990‘s.

Jeffrey Wigand and Noel Gilmore

About The Author
Noel Gilmore has been a well-known figure in Irish media and public relations circles for many years. A former director of the director of Government Information Services and the first chief executive of the then state-sponsored National Dairy Council, he headed the public-relations firm Gilmore Communications from 1983 until he stepped down from the company in 2003. Over the years, he has been personally identified with various high-profile public-information campaigns designed to combat drug abuse, underage drinking and other social ills. He also spearheaded a number of health-related projects relating to disease prevention, healthy eating and smoking cessation and was involved in the campaign behind the introduction of the euro currency to Ireland.