Sinn Féin urges protests over health crisis
Sinn Féin today called on the public to join up to 50 nationwide protest marches over the crisis in health care.
The party’s ’Day of Action’ sparked demos in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford and other towns across the country.
Activists also picketed Health Minister Mary Harney’s constituency office in Clondalkin, West Dublin.
Dublin MEP, Mary Lou McDonald said access to decent healthcare was one of the biggest issues facing people today.
“We have just come through one of the worst winters in recent years for Accident and Emergency units, with up to 490 people per day waiting on trolleys and chairs at its worst.”
Ms McDonald claimed that an unequal, two-tier, public-private systm was the root of the problem.
“Those who can afford it can get the best care quickly. Everyone else has to wait, sometimes for years,” she said.
“We are calling on people not just to complain about the health services but to campaign and to demand the decent, equitable and efficient services that we need.”
Sinn Féin’s Day of Action is part of a wider campaign begun by the recent launch of its healthcare policy document, Healthcare in an Ireland of Equals.
The party plans to distribute thousands of newsletters, leaflets and posters around the country.
Sinn Féin party leader Gerry Adams said: “This state is very wealthy. It can afford to improve dramatically the provision of healthcare delivery to every man, women and child.
“But it is clear that that will only be achieved if we have a change of direction from this government or a change of government.
“We will be asking people to join with us in demanding that change.”
