Nurses pass motion of no confidence in Mary Harney

Nurses have passed a motion of no confidence in Health Minister Mary Harney.

The vote at the annual conference of the Irish Nurses Organisation in Co Cavan comes amid deteriorating relations between the INO and Ms Harney.

Today’s motion accuses Ms Harney of failing to take meaningful action to tackle the ongoing overcrowding crisis in accident and emergency departments.

It also accuses her of failing to properly manage the public health service and of adopting a negative and antagonistic attitude towards nurses.

Spokesman Liam Doran said last night that the INO was particularly angered by Ms Harney's assertions that the work practices of nurses and midwives are wasting taxpayers' money and delaying patient treatment.