My Forest Eireann colleague John Mallon has just arrived in Dublin for tonight's IEA debate, 'How to really give up smoking'.
Arriving at his hotel in Kildare Street he got out of the taxi and who should be walking past but health minister James Reilly.
"Good afternoon, James," said our man from Cork.
"Who are you?" said Reilly (or words to that effect).
"John Mallon from Forest Eireann.".
To which the minister responded:
"Give up those fecking fags!"
I kid you not.