Doctors vote for industrial action

Junior doctors have voted by 97% in favour of industrial action, according to the results of an Irish Medical Organisation nationwide ballot.

The doctors will only go on strike if current talks between the Irish Medical Organisation and the Health Service Employers’ Agency are unsuccessful.

Paul Connolly, industrial relations executive with the IMO, said: "We’re trying to and we certainly want to avert strike action.

"We don’t feel that is the chosen way to go, but certainly we have a mandate for industrial action.”

Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients’ Association expressed disappointment at the result of the ballot.

Mr McMahon said: "In our view, patients should not be used as pawns in any dispute by any party."

"Such actions are not in the best interests of patients. What we hope is that reason will prevail and that all the parties can resolve this unnecessary dispute before patients suffer further."