Pathology debacle: How one-man-show turned into a circus

It is 20 years since the decision was taken to expand Dr John Harbison’s State Pathologist’s Office but almost immediately it looked like the one-man-show could turn into a circus.

The creation of a new post of deputy state pathologist was sanctioned in 1993 but not filled until 1995 when it was given on a temporarily basis to Dr Margot Bolster who concentrated on Munster where she was based.

But when it came to making the post permanent, she was told she’d have to move to Dublin — and presumably commute to Munster — which made no sense.