>> WHAT'S THE STORY?

A SMOKING ban is to be implemented in all Northern Ireland's workplaces and enclosed public spaces, including pubs, from tomorrow. Health minister Shaun Woodward . . . himself an ex-smoker . . . is the driving force behind it.

Announcing the plan, he said: "I do not want to stop those who want to go on smoking from doing so."

>> WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?

There's no middle ground on this one . . . you're either for it or against it. Northern Ireland's chief medical of"cer Dr Etta Campbell hailed it as "a momentous day for the health of the public". Tim Lord, of the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association (TMA), said the minister had "chosen to ignore the wishes of the majority. Government data shows that in the UK only 31% of people want a total ban on smoking in pubs."

>> WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A pleasant, smoke-free environment in noticeably emptier pubs . . .

much like the current situation in the Republic.

The TMA understandably predicts doom and gloom, saying a total ban may have a "drastic effect" on the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland. Similar sentiments were echoed south of the border not too long ago.

Family fortunes . . .

le Brocquoy under the hammer A Louis le Brocquy painting, bought in 1951 for �200, goes under the hammer tomorrow. A larger version of 'A Family', the painting in question, went for /3m four years ago, so a little bit of a profit can be expected on this one when it is sold by Whyte's auctioneers in Dublin.

"It is an Irish Picasso, a national treasure, and a better investment than even property" . . .

auctioneer Ian Whyte.

"I look like I am hungover. It's a head full of ideas, an exploding head" . . . Bono on le Brocquy's portrait of him.

About /3m worth of other Irish art also goes on sale including works by Sir John Lavery, Sean Keating and Paul Henry. The paintings will also be exhibited publicly at the RDS today between 10am and 6pm and on Monday between 10am and 2pm.