FF hopefuls bid to pacify voters over cancer strategy
Both Fianna Fáil candidates in Ireland North West said they favoured the retention of cancer services in Sligo, placing them at odds with the Government on the issue.
Former junior minister Pat the Cope Gallagher and former senator Paschal Mooney said they supported campaigners seeking to keep services in the county.
Under the Government policy, services in Sligo are set to be transferred to Galway, one of eight centres of excellence around the country, which will provide all cancer treatment.
Campaigners in Sligo argue that local patients will suffer hugely from having to travel long distances to Galway for treatment.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio yesterday, Mr Gallagher said the Government’s cancer policy was “a good document” but stressed: “I favour the retention of cancer services in Sligo.”
He denied he was “running with the hare and hunting with the hounds”, having failed to support an opposition motion in the Dáil last year which called for the Government to keep services in Sligo.
His running mate, Mr Mooney, said he and family members had fought for years for the retention of a variety of local services.
“My mother died in Sligo General Hospital in February, and during the treatment, she had to go to Galway,” he said. “I have lived all my life – and my family before me – protecting and defending the retention of services locally.”
Asked if that meant he was opposing his own party, Mr Mooney replied: “Yes, I am opposing my own party.
“I have said if elected that I will go on any deputation, that I will attend any meeting, that I will walk on any march, because this is a red line for me.
