Thousands at health service protest

Several thousand people marched through Dublin city centre this afternoon in protest at the state of the health service.

Among those in attendance was Conor MacLiam, the husband of Susie Long, who died last October of cancer having been unable to get a diagnosis in good time because of long waiting lists.

Trade unions, patient and hospital groups called on the public to join the march to demonstrate their anger and frustration at the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Patients Together had hoped as many as 50,000 would turn but the figure was much less. There was no official estimate.

The march went from the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square to Leinster House this afternoon.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was among the politicians at today’s rally.
He said that contrary to the claims of Minister for Health Mary Harney and HSE chief executive Brendan Drumm, health cuts were affecting patient care.

He said Fianna Fáil and the Green Party had promised improvement in the health service but instead the situations has worsened.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is under pressure about his finances but the "chaos" in our health service "is the biggest reason for the Taoiseach to go", Mr Ó Caoláin said. 

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