Republican News · Thursday 6 June 2002

Southeast TDs urged to unite behind Radiotherapy unit demand

Sinn Féin is calling on all newly elected TDs in the Southeast to meet as a matter of urgency regarding the need for a Radiotherapy unit for the region. Waterford spokesperson David Cullinane said it is imperative that all TDs in the region unite and work together on this vital issue.

"There is an urgent need for the provision of a radiotherapy unit for the Southeast region," he said. "All of the election candidates in the Waterford constituency committed themselves and their respective parties to delivering this unit to Waterford. Now it is time to deliver.

"I have written to all of the newly elected TDs in the Southeast region asking them to meet as a matter of urgency on this issue. It is my belief that a common political strategy agreed by all of the regional TDs would accelerate delivery of this vital unit.

"Notwithstanding recommendations from expert review groups, the decision to grant a radiotherapy unit for the region will be a political one. If our elected TDs in the region demonstrate that the political will exists very strongly at a regional level then the incoming government and Minister for Health will have to sit up and take notice.

"It is my sincere hope that all of the regional TDs will take up my request, put aside their own party political allegiances and work together for the common good of the region. The people of the Southeast, cancer patients and their families deserve nothing less."