Minister Survives Crucial Vote Over Cancer Care Controversy

While the UK government continues to be hard-pressed on the issue of party funding contributions and inept management, the Irish government is looking 'healthier' today having won last night's no confidence motion in Minister for Health, Mary Harney – but only by 83 votes to 73.

However, Mr Ahern's government is not out of the woods yet as Fianna Fáil back bencher, Ned O'Keeffe, has resigned from his parliamentary party, before abstaining on the vote on the Labour motion which criticised the health minister's handling of the problems in the cancer service provision.

Ned O'Keeffe handed in his resignation just as this debate resumed. Later he said that he could not vote against the opposition motion on principle but he could support the government amendment as it did not contain a specific endorsement of Mary Harney's work as health minister.

The debate heard Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, insist that whoever was to blame for the cancer debacle it was not Mary Harney.

Tánaiste, Brian Cowan, told TDs that whatever their political differences they had to stand up against vested interests who were blocking health reform.

Green Party leader, John Gormley, asked what would be served by sacking the health minister.

Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, said it did not matter that she had ruled out walking off the pitch. He said she had been absent from it at crucial times

Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore, quoted from the speech he said Ned O'Keeffe had been prevented from making, saying centres of excellence and experts from abroad were no substitute for proper resources in the health service.

As expected the government prevailed, but without Ned O'Keeffe's support in the motion itself.

Independents, including Finian McGrath, who had suggested his vote was in doubt, towed the line in the end.

Earlier Deputy McGrath said that after widespread consultation over 'a difficult few days' he had decided to remain in the ranks of Government supporters in order to push his health agenda.

He said he had had a number of meetings over the last week with the Government Chief Whip and officials from the Taoiseach's Department. He said he will be meeting Ms Harney next week to discuss the immediate implementation of health reforms and investment.

Earlier the Taoiseach told the Dáil that the O'Doherty report into allegations of cancer misdiagnoses in Portlaoise will have to get legal clearance before it is published.

(BMcC)