Harney: No magic wand to fix health service

AN embattled Mary Harney yesterday insisted she has no magic wand for radically overhauling the health service but signalled new hospital consultants could be appointed within weeks.

Following protracted talks on new procedures, pay, terms and conditions for consultants, Ms Harney claimed the situation could not continue and warned that “time is running out”.

A deal, she said, should be brokered before Christmas.