Tánaiste’s stance draws fire from angry consultants

HOSPITAL consultants last night accused the Government of trying to bring the health service to its knees.

Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney was bitterly attacked for moving to impose her will by “diktat” as she insisted new contracts must be in place within two months.

As the war of words over health reform hit new levels of intensity, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) claimed Ms Harney’s “strong arm” tactics were putting the best interests of patients at risk.