Politicians shun doctors meeting over new alcohol sale restriction measures

Junior health minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy was left redfaced last night as Fine Gael senators and TDs initially shunned a meeting with some of the country’s top doctors over new alcohol sale restriction measures.

An alert was sent out by a messaging app to members in Leinster House appealing for them to attend the fifth- floor meeting. “We need bodies in the PP room. 15 doctors but no TDs or senators!” the message read.

Guests at the Fine Gael meeting included president Frank Murray and Dr Maeve Skelly from the Royal College of Physicians; St Vincent’s Hospital consultant Aiden McCormick; College of Psychiatrists consultant John Hillery; and Dr Marie Laffoy, a health medicine specialist. A list named nine doctors and experts there.