Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, I am trying to be positive here. I am not trying to take away from it. The Taoiseach said it to me anecdotally that things might have been different if it had been brought in during January 2004, when everywhere was cold during the winter. However, it was delayed until March. I was there and it was great. Everyone thought it was fantastic to be outside. People were smoking outside. After six months, and I say this anecdotally, people started to get cold and say that it might not be so good. When something is being brought in, sometimes it is a matter of timing. I think there could have been a lot more resistance if it had been brought in at a colder time of year. This wonderful legislation has saved thousands of lives, but the timing of its introduction may have helped it in gaining support. Sometimes there is opposition to various things, but there should have been no opposition to this. It was very positive and powerful and saved many lives.