Interests of patients must come first

POLITICALLY, it was refreshing to see Taoiseach Bertie Ahern get off the fence and confront Fianna Fáil deputies who oppose the Hanly Report on reform of the health service.

Socially, it would be hard to exaggerate the significance of this crucial document. Not alone does it set the scene for reorganising the country’s hospitals, it will be a key factor in tackling the disparities of a cheque-book health system dominated by consultants and where public patients are treated as second class citizens.

Doubtless, Mr Ahern was stung by criticism of his weak response to the mini-rebellion by Defence Minister Michael Smith who spoke out against the implications of Hanly for Nenagh Hospital.