Cancer service failure cost FF: Cullen

THE failure of the Government to provide cancer services in the south east cost Fianna Fáil two seats on the city council and four on the county council, director of elections Martin Cullen admitted yesterday.

The Environment Minister said he was very disappointed with his party's showing and it would now have to regroup.

"We've lost some very good people from the councils. It puts us in a very weakened position. There is a huge commitment towards Waterford and we will have to continue to build Waterford up to the city we want it to be."

Mr Cullen said the radiotherapy issue and a local anti-government campaign were factors in the party's losses.

"A huge amount of work has been going on in that issue. We want to deliver radiotherapy for Waterford and the people of Waterford obviously want it delivered. I've every confidence the party will come back in Waterford. We have to listen to what people want."

Fianna Fáil's Sean Dower and Michael Ivory were not re-elected to the city council. On the county council, Fianna Fáil lost Geoff Power, Nuala Ryan, Tom Cunningham and Patsy Kenneally.

Mr Cullen said the message from the electorate in Waterford and throughout the country was very clear. "We have to take this message on board now and adjust and ensure we deliver what people want.

"I don't think the local election result here in Waterford was an anti-Martin Cullen vote. People want access to radiotherapy for everyone and that is the issue.

"Things have already been happening on the matter and analysis on Waterford and the region has been done. I'll be meeting with another major group within the next two weeks. We have an open mind on who will deliver the service. Our priority is to get it delivered. Radiotherapy will not work unless everyone has access to it publicly or privately."

Meanwhile, an upbeat Fine Gael is already setting its sights on picking up a Dáil seat from Fianna Fail in the next general election. "For the first time in about 15 years that is now a realistic possibility," Deputy John Deasy said.

However, Sinn Féin, who were also major victors in the constituency, winning two seats on the city council and one each on the county council and Dungarvan town council, is also eyeing up that second FF Dáil seat.

David Cullinane, who won a city council seat and polled more than 30,000 first preferences in the Euro contest in the South constituency, said SF will be serious contenders for a Dáil seat in Waterford next time out.