Former minister crowned 'Nanny-in-Chief 2018'

Wed 21st November, 2018

A former minister has been given the title 'Nanny-in-Chief 2018' for "outstanding services to the nanny state" at a dinner in Dublin.

Fine Gael TD Marcella Corcoran Kennedy was presented with her award by the smokers' group Forest which hosted the Golden Nanny Awards in Dublin last night [20th November].

As minister of state for health promotion from 2016-17 the former minister spearheaded the introduction of plain packaging of tobacco products.

She also assisted the introduction of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill which she described as "urgently needed for public well-being".

The controversial legislation will pave the way for measures such as minimum unit pricing, cancer warnings, and segregation of alcohol sales in shops to be introduced.

Accepting her trophy, which was presented by her predecessor Senator Catherine Noone, Deputy Corcoran Kennedy said:

“Thank you for this amazing award. I feel really honoured.

“I’m going to put it on my mantlepiece and reflect on the outcome of having introduced sugar tax, the alcohol bill and plain packaging.

“I might even have a glass of wine to celebrate.”

Other winners at the awards dinner, which was organised by the smokers' group Forest Ireland, included Trinity College Dublin for introducing a campus wide smoking ban, the Restaurants Association of Ireland for welcoming a possible ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas, and Alcohol Action Ireland for backing the alcohol bill.

John Mallon, spokesman for Forest Ireland, told guests, "Every year nanny state campaigners strengthen their iron grip on the nation. For years tobacco was in the firing line. Now it's alcohol and sugar. What next?

"Enough is enough. It's time to re-establish a live and let live culture that allows adults to make informed choices without being patronised or punished."

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