Micheál Martin’s false promises over Bantry Hospital

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin must immediately clarify why he promised to extend the opening hours of an emergency department that doesn’t exist.

Fine Gael General Election candidates for Cork South West, Senator Tim Lombard and Councillor Karen Coakley, today accused Mr Martin of making “shocking” and “reckless” promises about Bantry General Hospital.

Both candidates said the Fianna Fáil leader must explain to the people of Cork why he doesn’t even know what health services are available in his own county.

And they also called on Fianna Fáil’s candidates in the constituency, Margaret Murphy O’Mahony and Councillor Christopher O’Sullivan, to explain why their party leader is making pledges he cannot keep.

In a letter to Councillor O’Sullivan, which he posted on his official Facebook Page, Mr Martin wrote:

“Thank you for your email in relation to how people in Cork South West are very concerned about services in Bantry Hospital.

“I can assure you that Fianna Fáil has no intention of downgrading services at the hospital and we are committee to the Emergency Department being kept open on a 24/7 basis.”

Senator Lombard commented:

“Firstly, it should be stated clearly that in an attempt to scaremonger before the election, some politicians have claimed services at Bantry Hospital are at risk. This is utterly inaccurate and simply not the case.

“Bantry is used as an excellent urgent care centre and Fine Gael will deliver on a €10 Million euro expansion to the hospital which includes a new endoscopy unit, and a new rehabilitation unit.

“But in a desperate attempt for votes, Fianna Fáil’s own party leader has been exposed for making commitments that it cannot meet. Bantry does not have an emergency department. Micheál Martin’s attempt to say anything for the sake of winning votes is shocking and reckless. Above all, it shows exactly the sort of populist and irresponsible approach Fianna Fáil will take if in Government.”

Councillor Coakley added:

“I want to state clearly that Fine Gael is totally supportive of the vital services at Bantry Hospital. Some politicians are trying to portray a different picture. What’s also incredible is the utter lack of understanding that the two Fianna Fáil candidates in this constituency have shown. Councillor O’Sullivan for example has repeated these false pledges on his Facebook page. And what does Margaret Murphy O’Mahony have to say about her leader’s remarks.

“The HSE and Minister Simon Harris have publicly outlined their support to extend services at Bantry Hospital and have outlined plans to do just that.

“Reckless Fianna Fáil, meanwhile, is making stuff up as it goes along. It’s the party of scaremongering and its spin has been exposed. The people of Cork South West deserve better.”