This article is from page 3 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
AFTER weeks of speculation about his political future, Fianna Fáil Senator Brendan Daly has issued an ultimatum to his party.
The former Minister has said he will not agree to be added to the party ticket for next year’s general election, unless issues such as Ennis General Hospital and the ongoing wait for sewerage schemes in the county, are adequately addressed.
“I do not believe in issuing ultimatums or making unattainable demands, but in the matter of the development of Ennis hospital, unless there is a clear unambiguous decision, as far as I am concerned Fianna Fáil will have to seek another candidate other than me to stand in the next election,” he told The Clare People .
“Unless there is a clear understanding that the Ennis hospital project is on track, the political positions is unsustainable,” he added.
“This time last year, I made it clear that I would stake my political future on the safeguarding of Ennis General Hospital and was given assurances in that regard.
“A clear commitment and assurance has been given by the Taoiseach to the continuation of 24 hour Accident and Emergency facilities at Ennis General Hospital. Any change in that position would have very serious political consequences in the constituency and as far as I am concerned, would be totally unacceptable,” he said.
“No amount of ambiguity will disguise the issue,” said Senator Daly, a member of the Oireachtas for 30 years.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave a commitment on the future of acute services at the hospital to the Ennis Hospital Development Committee last year. But the lobby group have been unable to secure a similar commitment from the CEO of the Health Service Executive, Prof Brendan Drumm.
Senator Daly is the favourite to be added to the Fianna Fáil ticket for the next election, according to a party spokesperson.
Last week Kilrush Comhairle Cheantar also gave unanimous support to the senator, with a show of hands endorsing any move to add him to the Fianna Fáil election team.
Junior Minister Tony Killeen and Senator Timmy Dooley were selected at the party convention two weeks ago.