McCafferty: I offered Nuala overdose

THE controversial journalist Nell McCafferty offered to assist her long-time lover, Nuala O’Faoláin, take her own life after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She also offered to help other friends in a similar predicament.

In an interview to be broadcast on TV3 on Monday night, Ms McCafferty, describes how years after their acrimonious break-up, she offered to help O’Faolain avoid a painful death through an assisted suicide.

“I did offer Nuala euthanasia,” McCafferty tells interviewer Ursula Halligan. I said: “I’ve got morphine in place, I’ve got it stashed around Ireland. The minute you want to overdose, let me know.”

However, Ms O’Faoláin refused the suicide option, preferring to deal with her illness in her own way.

“She said ‘no, no, the hospice people will take care of me when the time comes with drugs.’ Nuala held on till the very end.”

Ms McCafferty reveals that she also offered to help others with terminal illnesses to overdose. “It’s the first thing I offer people the minute they’re sick. I say: ‘would you like me to give you an overdose?’ I’m surprised the number of people who insist on living.”

Ms McCafferty, who is being sued by Health Minister Mary Harney for defamatory remarks she made recently on Newstalk Radio, indicated she did not fear reprisals for offering assisted suicide which, in Ireland, would constitute an illegal act. “But sure who’s going to know?” she told TV3. “Prove it!”

This Is… Nell McCafferty — with Ursula Halligan on Monday next at 10pm on TV3.