In praise of Health Minister Reilly

Reading Alison O’Connor’s column (Opinion, June 6) prompts me to write in praise of, and agreement with, her excellent article on the Minister of Health, Dr James Reilly and for her fair and impartial assessment of him and his ministry.

Ms O’Connor highlights the fact that the minister attracts attention on every issue involving, not just his own portfolio, but everything that happens in government. There is some truth in the fact that by being a caring, decent individual, he has become a magnet for controversy. That happens to good people, especially in Ireland where the “cute hoor” syndrome prevails. He is absolutely correct to go after the fat cats of this country who are embarrassingly wealthy, but still enjoy the support of a free health service and free travel, and the separated women living off the State with full benefits, and working the ‘system’.

James Reilly’s record will show that he had a very difficult task, inherited from the previous government, in sorting out not only the finances of the HSE, but dealing with the consultants and trade unions, in the process, facing obstacles never experienced before.