The Corrs

[Johnny]

Dec 2001 - Andrea Corr has backed the legalisation of cannabis in Ireland.

She says stoned people don't get violent.

But her stance has upset anti-drug campaigners.

The Corrs singer said she believes cannabis "actually helps some people who are ill."

She added: "To be honest, I think it should be legal like alcohol but with safeguards and education for users.

"It isn't proven that it does anybody any harm. You never see people violent when they're stoned, unlike with drink."

Marie Danawamy of The National Parents Council says Andrea is "setting a very bad example" to the thousands of youngsters who look up to her.

She added: "The vast majority of the fans following Andrea and The Corrs would be under 18. She's giving them the message that it's okay to smoke cannabis, and it's not."