Resignations weaken FF grip
Fianna Fáil’s grip on the Dáil loosened tonight after two TDs stood down from the parliamentary party over the withdrawal of cancer services in their constituency.
Dr Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon said they were forced into the action after Taoiseach Brian Cowen refused to reverse the cuts at Sligo General Hospital.
The breast cancer unit at the hospital is being moved to University Hospital Galway, one of eight designated centres of excellence under the National Cancer Control Programme.
Last week, the backbenchers demanded the decision be reversed and that the unit be retained in Sligo as a satellite of the main Galway service.
But former junior health minister Dr Devins said he was left with no alternative when their calls were ignored.
“I feel so strongly about it that I feel it is the only option open to me at this point in time,” he said.
Mr Scanlon said it was with great regret that he was stepping down from the parliamentary party along with his Sligo North Leitrim colleague.
“It is a wrong decision to discontinue these services which have been achieving so much for the people of this region, and effectively alienate the people north of a line Dublin/Galway,” he said.
“The strategy that is now being put in place is disproportionate and does not allow for equitable accessible cancer services to all.”
The resignations effectively reduce the Government majority to 83 seats in the Dáil, along with the support of two Independent TDs, against the Opposition’s 81 seats.
While Mr Devins said he would remain a member of the Fianna Fáil party, he refused to commit to supporting the party in every vote in the Dáil.
“I will look at every vote on its own merits,” he said.
“I’m acutely aware of the very difficult situation we are in and I will make up my mind on the basis of the information that’s given to me at the relevant time of the vote.”
