Protest march attracts almost 2,000 supporters
CALLS FOR A UNITED FRONT TO SAVE FACILITY
Frank Godfrey with Kevin and Eileen Faulkner from the Save the Cottage Hospital Campaign group.
CLOSE to 2,000 people took to the streets of Ardee on Saturday in protest at the proposed closure of St. Joseph's Hospital in the town.
It came just a week after a controversial end to a rally in support of Drogheda's Cottage Hospital when Government party TDS were not allowed to address the crowd after they failed to sign a contentious pledge.
On this occasion, the organisers called for a united stand from all the politicians to help save the Ardee facility and asked them to let the people know their feelings on the issue.
Minister of State Fergus O'dowd bitterly condemned the way the residents were told about the possible closure via the media.
' They found out in a callous way through the media and that was unforgivable and unacceptable,' he stormed.
Clearly impassioned, he thanked the march organisers for allowing him to address the people and said that all party politics had to be put to one side.
'You are close to my heart, I've fought the fight for the elderly in the past and I will continue to do so,' said the TD who mentioned his past efforts in relation to closing private nursing homes including Leas Cross in north County Dublin.
' This is a truly democratic day and in the end, you and your vote at the ballot box will hold me accountable,' he stated.
Peter Fitzpatrick TD outlined the figures the HSE were looking at in relation to saving the hospital and the options that were on the table, including a Private Trust being set up and the possibility of St Brigid's being brought into the equation.
The announcement that the facility was under threat was 'unnerving for vulnerable residents', Gerald Nash TD told the crowd, adding that he will stand with the community to get the ' best possible service for people'. He also spoke about the fight that would need support from all quarters to succeed,
SF Gerry Adams TD couldn't attend, but Caoimhghin O'caolain TD, called for 'strength by working together', and he commended the action group for showing 'stoic leadership'. He said there are good people in Dáil Eireann, but they can't allow them to introduce ' bad policies'.
This was backed by Fianna Fail's Seamus Kirk, who brought a personal note to the speeches when the Knockbridge man revealed that his mother had died in St. Joseph's in 1983. 'I dedicate myself to retaining St. Joseph's, come what may,' he added.
Local organisers pleaded for continued support to keep St Joseph's open with a February 24 meeting with the HSE next on the horizon.
Paul Bell, Divisional Organiser, Health Division, SIPTU, spoke of his pride at the success of the march and the role of his members in it.
He praised Kevin Bailey for setting out the argument and issues involved in the provision of Public Health care.
'SIPTU, Health Division and our members will continue to support all communities campaigning to protect and enhance their local health service,' he added.
- HUBERT MURPHY
