Politicians ‘wring hands’ rather than act on suicide

A leading suicide prevention campaigner has claimed politicians are more likely to “wring their hands” about the tragedies than make money available to save the lives of other people at risk.

Turn the Tide of Suicide chairman Noel Smyth, who co-founded the 24/7 medic-manned 1Life helpline, insisted there will be no real change in addressing the issue until words turn into action.

Mr Smyth was speaking after recent political calls for a wider debate on suicide and the potential for a more joined-up prevention system.