NGOs and politicians to be honoured at 'Golden Nanny Awards' in Dublin

Mon 13th November, 2017

NGOs and politicians are to be honoured for their services to the nanny state at a dinner in Dublin tonight [Monday 13th November].

The taoiseach Leo Varadkar, health minister Simon Harris, former health promotion minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Senator Catherine Noone are all shortlisted for Golden Nanny awards at a “farewell to freedom” dinner organised by the smokers’ group Forest.

Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, who introduced the smoking ban, and Senator James Reilly, who supported plain packaging of tobacco, have both been nominated for a lifetime achievement award.

NGOs nominated for awards include Action on Smoking and Health Ireland, an anti-tobacco group, and Alcohol Action Ireland, a government-funded charity.

John Mallon, spokesman for the consumer group Forest Ireland which is organising the awards, said: “We want to highlight the growth of nanny state regulations in Ireland.”

Tonight's event is supported by the Hibernia Forum think tank, the Dublin Salon debating group, Students for Liberty Ireland and Consumer Choice Center.

A drinks reception on a smoking terrace will be followed by a three-course dinner “with delicious wines and after dinner entertainment” including speeches and the Golden Nanny Awards.

Guest speakers include Keith Redmond, co-founder of Hibernia Forum, and journalist Ian O’Doherty.

The event comes with a warning however: “The Farewell to Freedom Dinner will include eating, drinking, smoking and vaping. Guests are invited to attend at their own risk.”

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