Leo Varadkar move called ‘cynical and pathetic’

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been accused of disrespecting nurses and patients by issuing “cynical” press releases instead of directly engaging with unions.

As nurses yesterday took part in a second 24-hour strike, Mr Varadkar told the Dáil there is “no guarantee” that a pay rise would actually solve the recruitment and retention problem in our health sector but insisted the dispute can be resolved.