Harney backs Keane to become next HSE chief

THE health minister has indicated her support for Professor Tom Keane to succeed Professor Brendan Drumm when the job of chief executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE) becomes vacant next year.

Speaking at the official opening yesterday of the regional cancer centre in the HSE South, Minister Mary Harney said she would be delighted if Prof Keane chose not to return to his post in Canada.

Ms Harney was asked if she would like to see Prof Keane take over when Prof Drumm steps down next year. “There is nobody more than me that would love to see Prof Keane staying in Ireland. He has done a remarkable job. But that will be a matter for Prof Keane, it’s not a matter for me.”