Harney move gets voters’ thumbs-up

MARY HARNEY’S gamble of becoming Minister for Health has got a major thumbs-up from the public, but the Cabinet reshuffle has received a less rapturous reception.

The Tánaiste’s move into the Department of Health has the approval of two-thirds of the public, according to an opinion poll.

Brian Cowen’s appointment as Minister for Finance also got the backing of the majority of those polled in the Irish Times -TNS mrbi opinion poll.

But the poll shows 57% of the public feel Mr Ahern’s Cabinet reshuffle will make no difference to the Government’s overall performance.

Just 29% said the changes would improve the Government performance, but only 5% think it will make matters worse, while 9% have no opinion. Some 66% approve of Ms Harney’s move to Health, 18% disapprove, while 16% don’t know.

While the endorsement of Mr Cowen is less resounding, his elevation nonetheless receives the approval of 52% of those polled, 16% disapprove and 31% have no opinion.

The public backing for Ms Harney comes as she has her first clash with the medical professions in an effort to push through the health service reform programme.

The powerful hospital consultants’ representative body says it will not enter talks on a new contract for doctors or the Hanly Report until Ms Harney deals with its dispute over medical insurance cover.

Ms Harney will address the Irish Hospital Consultants Association annual conference today. Ahead of the conference, IHCA president Dr Josh Keaveney blamed a lack of beds for the problems in the health service, rather than doctors’ resistance to change.

Yesterday’s poll results showed the satisfaction ratings for the Government, Mr Ahern and Ms Harney at their highest levels since before the 2002 general election. The poll also showed that Enda Kenny registered a significant increase in popularity, the highest for a Fine Gael leader in five years.

The Government’s satisfaction rating rose nine points to 43%, but 49% are dissatisfied with its performance.