Martin holds firm in face of resignation calls

FORMER Health Minister Mícheál Martin yesterday stood firm amid a flurry of calls for his resignation as the Travers report was debated in the Dáil.

Although under intense opposition pressure to accept full responsibility for the failings of the Department of Health under his watch, Mr Martin rejected repeated calls for him to stand down and insisted he had never been informed of the urgency of the nursing home charges issue.

Former Health Department secretary general Michael Kelly said he had twice told Mr Martin of the pressing issue. However, the Travers report failed to uncover any documentary evidence that Mr Martin was made aware of the issue, leaving the opposition unable to land any significantly damaging blows.