Not a prayer for the dying

Mr Dunne said overall he had not met many times with the industry. He said he did not need to meet Prof Sellman as his views - such as that alcohol should be treated as an illegal drug - were well known.

However, Mr Dunne said he was unaware of the "five plus" idea.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Dunne defended being hosted by the industry at a rugby game: "I am a rugby fanatic and I go to a rugby match to watch the All Blacks beat the Wallabies any time."

Giving Captain Sensible a Health job may seem a little perverse, given the Captain's known friendship with the fag industry; and it seems Mr Dunne is living up to his reputation by adding  the booze industry to his social calendar.