Harney denies solo run on stem cell vote

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney last night denied she had carried out a solo run in backing EU funding for embryonic stem cell research.

The controversial EU vote on ethical guidelines for the research was postponed until December 3. Ms Harney, in Brussels for the Council of Ministers meeting yesterday, is expected to vote in favour of resuming EU funding for the research despite angry opposition from politicians and members of the public.

Ms Harney insisted proposals for the EU’s research programme were discussed with the Taoiseach, the Health Minister and a number of other ministers before Ireland voted for the research budget in November 2002.