Health plan at risk as Smith breaks ranks again

THE future of the Government's blueprint for the reform of the health services is in jeopardy after an unprecedented repeat attack on its merits by a senior minister.

Only hours after the Taoiseach told the Dáil that Defence Minister Michael Smith totally accepted the findings of the Hanly Report, Mr Smith went on RTÉ last night to again voice his opposition to the reforms, as they applied to his constituency. His dramatic departure from the collective Cabinet decision last night left colleagues with red faces and led to calls from the opposition for Mr Smith's resignation.

It also provoked an angry response from Fianna Fáil backbenchers who expressed fears that his outburst may lead to more local-based attacks on the plan from TDs that may ultimately lead to the radical reform package being hopelessly diluted.