Deep disquiet among FF TDs over means test

A STRAW poll of Fianna Fáil TDs revealed serious disquiet on the party’s backbench over the decision to means test the over-70s medical card.

Of the 15 who were happy to speak openly, just four gave wholehearted endorsement to the decision and were happy with the way the issue had been handled by the Government.

However, one of them, Mary O’Rourke, felt confusion remained about eligibility and entitlement and urged further clarification.

To a greater or lesser degree, all the others, plus seven who requested anonymity, were opposed to the scheme in its current form.

They argued that the hastily convened amendments, made on Thursday night, did not go far enough, and were critical of the way the issue had been handled.

All said their offices had been bombarded with calls from concerned constituents. Several said they had never witnessed a reaction like it before.

Attempts were made to contact 47 TDs who hold neither ministerial nor minister of state posts yesterday. We were able to establish the views of 23.