Mixed reaction to rally for better cancer care

A MAJOR protest march and work stoppage designed to show public support for better cancer facilities in the south-east yesterday prompted almost 2,000 people to take to the streets in Waterford city.

Cancer sufferers are protesting because they are forced to travel to Dublin or Cork for 10-minute treatments. They want better radiotherapy facilities for the area.

However, the event was boycotted by leading figures and lobby groups who alleged the protest was too politically-motivated.

Some groups chose not to take part in the protest and rally from 2pm, which was organised by the Waterford Council of Trade Unions. Employers’ group IBEC said such protests should only be held during non-working hours.

It feared such a stoppage might not be in the best interests of the south-east.

Waterford city Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Roche said she wasn’t taking part and said the event was associated with the extreme left. She did not accept that the event was apolitical.

The city’s mayor, Oliver Clery said he would not be attending. But Waterford Council of Trade Unions president Dick Roche said the event was about the people who are sick and others coming out in support of them.

“What we need is for the people of the south-east to pull together.

“It’s unfortunate that people decided not to do this.” However, among those who gathered outside was independent TD Jerry Cowley.

He said he was delighted with the turnout. And he praised those who took the time to march and show their support. He criticised those who tried to turn people off the march.

Among the workers present were staff from Waterford Crystal, The Foundry and farmers who are members of the Irish Farmers Association.