IHCA urges Martin to resolve doctors' strike

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association has urged Health Minister Micheal Martin to make the first move to resolve the long-running dispute between the Government and public health doctors.

IHCA president Colm Quigley said the minister's decision to accuse the striking doctors of abandoning their responsibilities was unhelpful and he said Mr Martin should make up for his slur by extending an olive branch.

"The minister needs to indicate his willingness to move in a positive way to end the strike," Dr Quigley said.

"It will have to be resolved eventually. Given the international situation [in relation to SARS], it would be prudent that it's solved immediately and it is not going to help the health services in this country to allow this drag on any further."