Doubts persist among FF backbenchers

FIANNA FÁIL backbenchers and councillors remained concerned last night about plans to introduce medical card means testing for over-70s, with many saying the Taoiseach’s assurances did not go far enough.

Brian Cowen attempted to dampen the ordeal within his own party over the controversy, by saying the plans, as they stand, will not go ahead, but over-70s will still be means tested.

This did not allay concerns of many backbenchers who last night repeated their reservations about the move.