Health service crisis - Tough times ahead for Harney

Over the next two months Tánaiste Mary Harney could be forgiven for having second thoughts about her enthusiasm in seeking, and being given, the health portfolio in last autumn’s Cabinet reshuffle.

She faces the very real possibility of industrial action on a number of fronts during February and March from nurses and consultants.

More importantly, several thousand patients face the prospect of treatments being delayed or cancelled if longstanding problems remain unresolved.