Ó Caoláin challenges TDs to vote against Harney

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has tonight challenged TDs to register a vote of no confidence in Minister for Health Mary Harney tomorrow.

“Each and every Deputy has the opportunity at the vote tomorrow night to show where they stand on the crisis in cancer services and the shambles that is the health system presided over by this minister, this Taoiseach and this Cabinet,” said Ó Caoláin.

“What position will the Government deputies representing the constituencies where these hospitals are located take in the vote tomorrow night?

“I would say to them the time for talking out of both sides of your mouths has ended. You can no longer get away with one message for your constituents and another message for the Government you support. It is time to put up or shut up.

“It is also time to challenge the badge ‘independent’ which is worn so proudly by some Deputies.

“If you cannot support a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children in these circumstances you will have lost any shred of credibility in calling yourselves ‘independent’. Take the opportunity to salvage that credibility and support the motion.”