Rabbitte stands by pledge to provide 2,300 extra beds

LABOUR leader Pat Rabbitte last night said he was prepared to take over the job of Minister for Health, considered to be the poisoned chalice in government.

In surprising comments, Mr Rabbitte told reporters outside Cobh General Hospital that he would be willing to take over the portfolio. However, most observers are of the view that the position that the Labour leader will seek if the party goes into government will be the finance ministry.

But yesterday he said he would follow through with his promise of delivering 2,300 extra beds, as well as scrapping the plans for co-located hospitals.