Harney faces staff revolt as health crisis mounts

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney is facing her first real crisis at the Department of Health after hospital consultants and nurses yesterday threatened strike action.

In an another major setback, British insurance company, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), broke off talks with the minister’s department in a long and bitter dispute over medical insurance cover.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO), which represents 680 consultants, voted 8 to 1 for industrial action over the insurance row yesterday.