Documents reveal extent of FF lobbying against 'café-bars'
Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed the extent of Fianna Fáil lobbying against government plans to introduce so-called "café-bar" drinks licences.
The documents show that 58 Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators made submissions to Justice Minister Michael McDowell opposing the plans on behalf of constituents.
The submissions were mainly made on behalf of publicans and people worried about road safety or health implications.
Ministers Brian Cowen, John O'Donoghue, Mary Hanafin, Dermot Ahern and Mary Coughlan were among the Fianna Fáil TDs opposing "café-bars".
The plan to introduce the new licences was eventually dropped by Mr McDowell because of the Fianna Fáil opposition.
