10,000 voices call for reversal of ‘shameful’ cut

Up to 10,000 elderly people took to the streets outside Leinster House yesterday to plead with politicians to stop the “shameful” universal over-70s medical card cut, which is due to be voted into law in two days.

The move — which was first attempted by Fianna Fáil in 2008 before the then government was forced to abandon the plan — means 35,000 pensioners will be stripped of the vital State support.

Health Minister James Reilly has claimed the impact will be minimised as those affected will still hold a GP card for visits only.