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Labour TDs Moran and Nash react to the departure of Shorthall
SENATOR Mary Moran has spoken to the Dundalk Democrat of her shock and disappointment at the resignation of Roisin Shortall from her role as a junior minister.
Shortall has also resigned the Labour whip in a dramatic move that Senator Moran says has taken her personally by “surprise”.
Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat from Brussels, Sen Moran told the paper: “It seems to have been a very sudden decision. I’m very dissappointed that Roisin has decided to resign in her role.
“She had lead the way on many issues and was particularly progressive in her desire to change Irish attitudes to alcohol among other things. She is a very forward thinking politician.”
Deputy Shortall said that she felt she lacked support in driving home reforms in health.
“All I can say is that there was a lot of support for her views in the Labour Party.”
Announcing her decision to quit on Wednesday evening, she also confirmed that she was resigning the Labour Party whip.
“She is a very fine lady and a very fine politician. I remember be particular generous to me when I first arrived at the Seanad and I felt that she always had her door open to me. On a personal level I’m very sad to see her go,” said Sen Moran. “I’m in Brussels at the moment and so all this has been going on while I’m away.”
Meanwhile Labour TD Gerald Nash said she made the wrong decision.
“The Programme for Government commits this government to transforming Ireland’s health care landscape by providing an unprecedented number of primary care centres and free GP care for citizens. These areas represent core Labour values. “It is regrettable that Roisin Shortall will no longer be the Minister with the responsibility to deliver these hugely transformational initiatives and I regret that she has made this decision. It is my opinion that she should have remained in office to finish the job she started. “As far as the citizens of Ireland are concerned, it is important to point out that the area of primary care, which we delivered on in Brendan Howlin’s recent stimulus package is being rolled out as we speak. This is the important issue at stake.”
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Weather for Dundalk
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
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