Press Releases
The only Opposition in political history to implement health cutback - Fiona O'Malley
Progressive Democrats press release
January 31, 2007
The only Opposition in political history to implement health cutbacks - Fiona O'Malley
PD TD Fiona O'Malley said the Labour Party has clearly pulled back from some of their 2002 Health proposals.
Referring to the joint Fine Gael/Labour proposals produced yesterday, she said five years ago Labour had promised free GP care for all - now it was just for under-fives.
"In 2002, they pledged universal health insurance for everyone - not it's just for those under the age of 16. They must be the only opposition party in political history to implement health cutbacks while still in opposition," she said.
She said Labour Leader Pat Rabbitte's assertion that people are 'very dissatisfied' with the health service is just plain wrong.
"Pat Rabbitte's election strategy seems to be to talk down our Health Service. This is unhelpful, and indeed unfair to health workers. Most people who attend hospital are satisfied with their treatment and would have no problem returning to the same facility," she said.
"Yes, problems exist. But the Irish people trust Mary Harney at the helm of the health service. They respect her gutsy determination to take on vested interests. If they were honest, every politician who understand the difficulties in the Health Service and wants to see improvements would love to see her returned as Minister for Health.
"Her style can be favourably contrasted with the Fine Gael approach. Their Health Spokesman Liam Twomey claimed he would 'reign in' HSE Chief Executive Prof. Brendan Drum and attempt to micro-manage the entire health service by himself.
"It is my view that voters will recognise this for what it is - a recipe for disaster."
For further information please contact Mary Minihan in the Progressive Democrats press office on 01-6183615 or 087-1225140. Many thanks.