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THE BESIEGED HEALTH Minister has been called “a reforming minister” by one of his government colleagues.
Fergus O’Dowd, Minister of State for the NewEra project, told RTÉ One’s The Week in Politics that James Reilly had been relatively successful in his ministerial post.
“Minister Reilly is a reforming minister,” said O’Dowd. He contrasted the landscape of the health system now with that of the Fianna Fáil era, saying: “Compared to when Fianna Fáil were in power, the number of people on trolleys – which is a major issue – has reduced nationally by 33 per cent. In my own hospital, the Lourdes hospital in Drogheda, the figures are down 54 per cent. That is a very significant change.”
A front page report on the Sunday Business Post today claims that huge cuts to health services – and not just reform – will be necessary to reach the reduced Health budget next year. While the stated figure of cuts is €666 million, it was reported last week that the figure could be closer to €1 billion.
Responding to this claim and to reports on pressure being put on James Reilly to make the cuts, O’Dowd said:
It’s a very difficult job we have, we’re doing it extremely well. Minister Howlin is meeting bilaterally with every minister, including Minister Reilly, in relation to the Budget.
Willie O’Dea, FF spokesperson for social affairs, said: “I’m trying to get my head around another billion being taken out of Health as it is at the moment. It’s inconceivable.”
He also highlighted the reports emanating from around Health as indicative of Reilly’s unpopularity among his own colleagues. O’Dea claimed that “the majority of the leaks seem to be coming from his Cabinet colleagues”. He added:
There seems to be a conspiracy somehow at Cabinet level to do down Mr Reilly.
Independent TD Catherine Murphy claimed that Health had been “badly administered” and that the health boards had not essentially been phased out but that they were “still there – with the HSE on top”.
She added: “You’re being asked to do more with so much less. The well has run dry.”
O’Dowd insisted that the government’s policies were working. He said:
The reason we are in this situation is because of the troika. We are balancing our budgets.
He continued: “The government’s policies are working. Three thousand people are getting jobs every month versus seven thousand losing their jobs when Willie was in power.”
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I think #TheDonald(really!?!?) is as batshit crazy as they come…
But quote from estranged wife going through bitter, high profile divorce of billionaire husband in an interview for glossy magazine/tabloid. Is hardly something I’d consider as a credible source….
Drew — The scary part is he’s not crazy at all.
Even if he did, I don’t see the problem. Hitler’s policies were insane but he was an incredible orator. People have been studying him for public speaking and propaganda techniques for decades.
At least it’s not a copy of the speeches and statements of Charles J. Haughey. He could pick up this copy for a mere €250… http://touch.adverts.ie/other-antiques-collectables/charles-haughey-autographed-book-of-collected-speeches/8546106
To suggest that we should not study or analyse Hitler because of the evil he perpetuated is ironically almost fascist censorship. It is conversely why he must be studied and understood. Hitler seemed able to tap into the mass psychology of the German people and steer it in a direction of his choosing. No one can ignore the horrific events he was responsible for but he is probably the most infamous name the world will ever see and a fascinating character.
Coming from an Ex, I’m not surprised she says he’s a nazi, my ex’s would all say the same about me
His supporters will be more upset that he’s an actual book reader.
Maybe he just looked at the pictures
“If, I had these speeches, and I am not saying that I do, I would never read them.”
Well he’s getting the hang of denying like a real politician at least.
Nothing like a US election to air the dirty laundry!
in fairness. I’m no Nazi but u do have books with some of hitters speeches in them. This story is just inflammatory nonsense. also I hope trump crashes and burns in the election.
I saw the headline and thought this was Waterford Whispers.
Trump read something written by Hitler..
This can only mean that..
TRUMP IS REALLY HITLER IN DISGUISE!!
SHOCKING!!!!!!
The world is fooked anyway….. GO TRUMP!!!
i think its interesting that at the same time trump is trying to become president i saw a stat that half the worlds money is owned by 80 people!!! is trump one of the 80??
The statistic is that the richest 80 people in the world are as rich as the poorest 50% – not that the top 80 own 50% of the world’s money.
And anyway, Trump’s not one of the 80.
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/meet-the-80-people-who-are-as-rich-as-half-the-world/
Heil hydra! – John Garrett, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Mein Komb-uber
The majority of Americans wouldn’t even know who Hitler was. They don’t care and if they vote Trump or Clinton in , they deserve them.
In fairness, how many Brits do you recon know the name Hirohito? It works both ways.
@Jason Culligan: They’d probably think he was a new striker for Celtic!
There is no reason whatsoever not to read those books!
You’d be surprised how irrational people can get on the subject of Hitler, especially when any sort of praise may factor into it. In America it would be a difficult proposition to state publicly that Hitler was a great orator and propagandist as people will genuinely take that as support for Hitler as a whole.
Could explain why he couldn’t give his favourite bible quote
Probably because he knows that there really isn’t a sky fairy. Won’t go down well in the bible belt but who really cares!?
If I read a story about IRA/SF in the Journal does that make me an IRA/SF supporter?
A story about Donald Trump and you still can’t help mentioning Sinn Féin, I don’t like the Shinners myself but you have a complete obsession. Your irritating insistence on mentioning them everywhere even on completely unrelated articles is incredibly annoying and doing far more damage to your cause than good.
The subject of the analogy might not be to your liking but the remark is very relevant. I will not be dictated to by the likes of Fiachra with his new Twitter account.
Yeah Fiachra , how dare you.Your Twitter account must be at least 30 days old before you dictate to Pat Lyons or any of his Jornal multi- accounts. poor Pat.
My Twitter account is actually about a year old at this stage.
Pat, isn’t this your third account after previously being banned on other accounts?
It’s rhetorical by the way, we all know the answer.
One way to understand how your enemy thinks?
have your say