Nanny nominees named

The smokers’ group Forest Ireland has announced the shortlist for its Golden Nanny Awards to be held in Dublin next week.
The annual event, launched last year, honors politicians, NGOs and individuals who support ‘nanny state’ regulations on lifestyle issues including smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol or eating ‘unhealthy’ foods.
Among those shortlisted for awards are the Minister for Health Simon Harris; the former health minister Dr. James Reilly; the former minister of state for health promotion Marcella Corcoran Kennedy; Professor Donal O’Shea, clinical lead for obesity, Health Service Executive; Dr. Patrick Doorley, chairman, ASH Ireland; Dr. Bobby Smyth, board member, Alcohol Action Ireland; and Eunan McKinney, head of communications and advocacy, Alcohol Action Ireland.
‘Following the introduction of campus smoking bans, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin and the University of Limerick have also been shortlisted for a “Nanny”, Forest Ireland said in a press note.
‘Another nominee, the Restaurants Association of Ireland, has been shortlisted after its chief executive gave a “cautious welcome” to a ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas.’
John Mallon, spokesman for Forest Ireland, said the Golden Nanny Awards celebrated excellence in finger-wagging and an unhealthy desire to intervene in other people’s lives.
“This year’s shortlist is particularly strong,” he said. “Choosing the winners will be difficult because every nominee deserves a Nanny.
“The judging panel will examine the evidence very carefully before deciding who should receive one of these coveted awards.”
The Golden Nanny Awards are organised by Forest [Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco] Ireland and supported by Students for Liberty Ireland.
The winners of the 2018 awards will be announced at a dinner in Dublin on November 20.