Harney denies climb-down in consultants row

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney last night denied she had blinked first in her battle with consultants as they were given another seven weeks to negotiate new contracts.

Despite Ms Harney telling senior doctors ten days ago that the time for talking was “over”, the Cabinet agreed to set a deadline of March 27 for agreement on a deal.

Ms Harney again stated she would press ahead with reformed contracts for new consultants from that date if no progress was made.