WRH proposed downgrade - protest on Saturday the 23rd of Feb

Sully

Tis on the RTE News site as a main front page article, TheJournal.ie and it has been on the last two news bulletins on 2fm.

Great to see such a large turnout for the Save Waterford Campaign. Its fantastic that they are focusing on this one major issue and raising awareness. But its important for everyone to know that a march wont do anything - there is a lot more to do be done and I think a protest to the Dail is in order.

If we are to save WRH, we need to fight tooth and nail ourselves also.

However, it was disappointing to see people try to hijack the event for their own agenda. A number of Socialist Party members were handing out leaflets advising people to say no to the Household Charge. I have no objection to them raising their own issues with the government but it would have been nicer if they kept to themselves and didn't hijack a much more important issue.

7upfree

O Riain wrote: »

Extremely poor news coverage of this protest. Typical of the attitude towards the south east.

Yep. As usual. No surprises there. I hope O'Reilly, Hogan, Coffey, and Deasy took note. Wonderful to see the attendance also embrace the Give A Shirt Campaign.

Psychedelic

Irish Times:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/1110/breaking21.html

Irish Examiner:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/sf-downgrading-of-waterford-hospital-will-cost-lives-573729.html

Looks like the journalists are just copy & pasting from the RTE article and comments.

7upfree

Dicky Pride wrote: »

And I hate to say it but that was down to the rushed organisation of the protest. Galway would have hired PR gurus to make sure the place was flooded with media. It's this kind of attitude, this sense of entitlement, that, partly, has us where we are. We need to do these things ourselves or never expect them to get done.

Today was a fine example of that, we all stood up and took action, not waiting for someone else to do it.

It now needs to be moved a step further nationally. Do what the French do. Block roads. Bring everywhere to a halt. Make these fools sit up and take notice.

7upfree

Sully wrote: »

However, it was disappointing to see people try to hijack the event for their own agenda. A number of Socialist Party members were handing out leaflets advising people to say no to the Household Charge. I have no objection to them raising their own issues with the government but it would have been nicer if they kept to themselves and didn't hijack a much more important issue.

Par for the course with them. They've been at it for years. No-one takes any notice, but I thought they'd give it a rest for once today.

Psychedelic

Sully wrote: »

However, it was disappointing to see people try to hijack the event for their own agenda. A number of Socialist Party members were handing out leaflets advising people to say no to the Household Charge. I have no objection to them raising their own issues with the government but it would have been nicer if they kept to themselves and didn't hijack a much more important issue.

I saw some people handing out flyers about flouride in the water too..... minor detail though, the protest was a major success and it was great to see it was so calm and civilised, and no chanting of slogans or banners that have nothing to do with the WRH issue.

LETS BE AVN IT

7upfree wrote: »

It now needs to be moved a step further nationally. Do what the French do. Block roads. Bring everywhere to a halt. Make these fools sit up and take notice.

What and stop emergency services getting to people ?

mike65

Damien Tiernan did a live report on RTE radio during the Marian Finucane programme

Trotter

Sully wrote: »

Its fantastic that they are focusing on this one major issue and raising awareness. But its important for everyone to know that a march wont do anything - there is a lot more to do be done and I think a protest to the Dail is in order.

You are absolutely right that we need to head to Dublin with this one now. Very very slowly from Newlands Cross would be an idea.

I would say though that many many people there were not protesting over the hospital issue alone, although it was the priority. I know you think that the merger of the city and county councils is going to lead to a maintenance of equal status between us and Galway/Cork. I believe it isnt, although I know that you disagree. I know also that Paudie Coffey went today on the assurance that the initial protest was about the hospital alone and thats fair enough. It seems to be local Fine Gael policy to back the WRH element of the protest but to stand by and watch the council being abolished while Cork City and Galway city retain theirs. Thats for another thread but FG members should know that there were a whole lot of people there because they are sick and tired of the city being handed the scraps, with this WRH plan being one of them. Its not true to say everyone there was there for the hospital alone. While I was there, hundreds of people had and were handing in shirts to the Waterford gives a shirt campaign.

I fully agree too that handing out political leaflets (and someone handing out anti flouride leaflets) was bad bad form on a day like today.

I reckon the turnout should have given a wake-up call to all the politicians up the line.

I'd be curious to know if Enda Kenny and James Reilly will be made aware of the depth of feeling, and also if they'll be made aware that although the WRH issue seems to have been the straw that's broken the camel's back, there were many straws being marched about today.

Trotter

LETS BE AVN IT wrote: »

What and stop emergency services getting to people ?

I think we showed today that we're a dignified people who if we were walking slowly around the entrances to Dublin city in order to give senior politicians something Waterford based to think about, we'd stand aside for an ambulance... Dont you think?

LETS BE AVN IT

Trotter wrote: »

I think we showed today that we're a dignified people who if we were walking slowly around the entrances to Dublin city in order to give senior politicians something Waterford based to think about, we'd stand aside for an ambulance... Dont you think?

I'd imagine so , how would you go about such a protest?

CuriousG

Sully wrote: »

However, it was disappointing to see people try to hijack the event for their own agenda. A number of Socialist Party members were handing out leaflets advising people to say no to the Household Charge. I have no objection to them raising their own issues with the government but it would have been nicer if they kept to themselves and didn't hijack a much more important issue.

I, too, seen these people and was a little disgusted. I thought it would have been better for everyone to stick together without politics and just be there for the important cause. Sad to see they couldn't just leave one thing be and let everyone come together on it. Then again, just typical for them.

All in all though, cannot believe how great it went and how many people there was, it felt amazing to be part of. Waterford and anyone from surroundings should be just so proud. It may not change everything, but it definitely sends a message.

7upfree

LETS BE AVN IT wrote: »

What and stop emergency services getting to people ?

Are you for the birds? Of course not. They would be allowed through. FFS.

Trotter

LETS BE AVN IT wrote: »

I'd imagine so , how would you go about such a protest?

I'd walk around Dublin with a blue and white flag shouting things like.. Find another city to destroy... and hope there was a few more like me so I wouldnt be arrested for being a noisy individual. Something like that.

7upfree

Trotter wrote: »

It seems to be local Fine Gael policy to back the WRH element of the protest but to stand by and watch the council being abolished while Cork City and Galway city retain theirs. Thats for another thread but FG members should know that there were a whole lot of people there because they are sick and tired of the city being handed the scraps, with this WRH plan being one of them. Its not true to say everyone there was there for the hospital alone. While I was there, hundreds of people had and were handing in shirts to the Waterford gives a shirt campaign.

Well said to all of that. For all of Coffey's ridiculous posturing, if he had half the passion that those lads have for this city hen he could call himself Waterford man.

Trotter wrote: »

I fully agree too that handing out political leaflets (and someone handing out anti flouride leaflets) was bad bad form on a day like today.

Agree 100%. Stupid.

Trotter wrote: »

I reckon the turnout should have given a wake-up call to all the politicians up the line.

I'd be curious to know if Enda Kenny and James Reilly will be made aware of the depth of feeling, and also if they'll be made aware that although the WRH issue seems to have been the straw that's broken the camel's back, there were many straws being marched about today.

I sincerely hope that this is the first of many. A la French protests.

LETS BE AVN IT

7upfree wrote: »

Are you for the birds? Of course not. They would be allowed through. FFS.

You were stating bring everywhere to a halt ! Within reason ? Should we be interrupting people trying to get to work?

Trotter

Its Paudie's decision what policies he wants to support and oppose. I've huge respect for him. I havent heard any other party politician stand up in the manner he has these last 2 weeks or so. He isnt meek or arrogant anyway, thats a plus.

However in my own opinion, the city/county merger isn't a good idea unless it happens in Cork and Galway too. If we are not treated equally, then we are not equal. A politicians job and function is to represent the views of people who elect them, not to represent the views of the party they joined.

Paudie has my full support in his efforts relating to the hospital, but I'm personally disgusted at the party led reaction to the city county merger from the government party politicians both at council and Dáil level.

Sorry for dragging off topic on that one.. just had to clarify that I wasn't on an anti Coffey rant. Ive a lot of time for him.

Hijpo

LETS BE AVN IT wrote: »

You were stating bring everywhere to a halt ! Within reason ? Should we be interrupting people trying to get to work?

:rolleyes:

theres always one

CuriousG

LETS BE AVN IT wrote: »

You were stating bring everywhere to a halt ! Within reason ? Should we be interrupting people trying to get to work?

1. Protests are more than usually planned, so people would have to deal with it and make amends.
2. Obviously emergency services are not counted as general trafftic.
3. If everyone was worried about disrupting someones day, nothing would ever get done in this country, or anywhere in the world.

People are too familiar with cosy lifestyle, a little disruption is a small price to pay for doing the right thing by society.

fuzzy dunlop

Premier wrote: »

For such a hot topic, there not much feedback on the kilkenny forum or wexford forum regarding this serious matter,

Probably because on the Kilkenny Forum you have a couple of individuals more interested in preventing it being discussed which in itself is interesting.Including one poor devil who thinks he can see infections and that's how he knows WRH is riddled with bugs. As much as I Sullys moderation annoys me at least its not based on county loyalty.

Sully

fuzzy dunlop wrote: »

Probably because on the Kilkenny Forum you have a couple of individuals more interested in preventing it being discussed which in itself is interesting.Including one poor devil who thinks he can see infections and that's how he knows WRH is riddled with bugs. As much as I Sullys moderation annoys me at least its not based on county loyalty.

If you have a problem with moderation in another forum, or if you have a problem with a poster in another forum, report the matter. Please do not drag your disputes in here for the love of god in the heavens, that's the last thing we need. Thanks.

Psychedelic

More photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151245909588706.483199.106549863705&type=1

albert kidd

you can march until the cows come home down here and it'll have little or no effect in my opinion..as a post a few back up said you need to bring it to dublin..block roads ect ect.

7upfree

LETS BE AVN IT wrote: »

You were stating bring everywhere to a halt ! Within reason ? Should we be interrupting people trying to get to work?

If that happens then so be it. This whole 'quiet nation' thing has us were we are - and that shower in Leinster House know it. Until you bring it knocking at their door they will stand idly by.

7upfree

albert kidd wrote: »

you can march until the cows come home down here and it'll have little or no effect in my opinion..as a post a few back up said you need to bring it to dublin..block roads ect ect.

It will have an effect. No doubt about it. Enda Kenny was quoted somewhere recently as saying that if the ordinary people of Ireland come onto the streets then the game is up.

But you're right about French style protests - action is required.

7upfree

Trotter wrote: »

Its Paudie's decision what policies he wants to support and oppose. I've huge respect for him. I havent heard any other party politician stand up in the manner he has these last 2 weeks or so. He isnt meek or arrogant anyway, thats a plus.

However in my own opinion, the city/county merger isn't a good idea unless it happens in Cork and Galway too. If we are not treated equally, then we are not equal. A politicians job and function is to represent the views of people who elect them, not to represent the views of the party they joined.

Paudie has my full support in his efforts relating to the hospital, but I'm personally disgusted at the party led reaction to the city county merger from the government party politicians both at council and Dáil level.

Sorry for dragging off topic on that one.. just had to clarify that I wasn't on an anti Coffey rant. Ive a lot of time for him.

I lost all respect for him when he specifically targetted the City status issue on WLR during the wok. Absolutely appalling. Not only Coffey, but Deasy and the FG Councillors should hang their heads in shame with their capitulation on the attempted merger.

As I said earlier it appears that the status quo remains with administration from both Waterford City and Dungarvan, with only two Councillors lost to Waterford.....with Council meeting to be alternated between the two places. A primary school child could see there's no savigs in this.

It is a blatant attempt by Hogan to undermine this City. No two ways about it.

7upfree

CuriousG wrote: »

1. Protests are more than usually planned, so people would have to deal with it and make amends.
2. Obviously emergency services are not counted as general trafftic.
3. If everyone was worried about disrupting someones day, nothing would ever get done in this country, or anywhere in the world.

People are too familiar with cosy lifestyle, a little disruption is a small price to pay for doing the right thing by society.

Well said.

nice_very

It was mentioned today on the bandstand, several times on the page of the event, and here on this thread that the event was to be non political, so when people say things like: save our hospital, they want to downgrade WRH, who exactly are they saying it to and who are they talking about?

It is a political issue and goes hand in hand with all the other campaigns around, many of who attended today, leaflets were given out but in a very discreet manner.

How long are they willing to go without turning this into a political issue?

Before anyone starts accusing me of anything... I was at the protest, in fact I was at the very front of the march, I support the cause 100 percent.

fuzzy dunlop

nice_very wrote: »

It was mentioned today on the bandstand, several times on the page of the event, and here on this thread that the event was to be non political, so when people say things like: save our hospital, they want to downgrade WRH, who exactly are they saying it to and who are they talking about?

It is a political issue and goes hand in hand with all the other campaigns around, many of who attended today, leaflets were given out but in a very discreet manner.

How long are they willing to go without turning this into a political issue?

Before anyone starts accusing me of anything... I was at the protest, in fact I was at the very front of the march, I support the cause 100 percent.

I think the point is that if say FF or SF had placards opposing the downgrade and also their party logo's on the same placard it could drive a lot of potential support away. This is what happened I think with the radiotherapy issue.In that case it was SWP that were trying to make polical hay iirc. They were effectively trying to portray support for radiotherapy as support for their party/agenda.

Sully

Looks like RTE News have good coverage for this!

fricatus

nice_very wrote: »

It was mentioned today on the bandstand, several times on the page of the event, and here on this thread that the event was to be non political, so when people say things like: save our hospital, they want to downgrade WRH, who exactly are they saying it to and who are they talking about?

It is a political issue and goes hand in hand with all the other campaigns around, many of who attended today, leaflets were given out but in a very discreet manner.

How long are they willing to go without turning this into a political issue?

Before anyone starts accusing me of anything... I was at the protest, in fact I was at the very front of the march, I support the cause 100 percent.

The issue is of course political, but I think that what they mean by "non-political" is that the organisation of the protest is not aligned to any political organisation or lobby group. I think they succeeded in that. I wouldn't be happy marching behind a Sinn Féin or trade union banner, but if those people want to march together with other people with a common interest, that's fine.

So proud of Waterford people for the huge turnout today by the way. Shows we can stand up and be counted. This is one issue where they are going to have to sit up and take notice. There were 12,000 people at the march, according to conservative estimates. That would be a lot of first preferences! If this downgrading goes ahead, expect a hospital candidate!

Sully

fricatus wrote: »

The issue is of course political, but I think that what they mean by "non-political" is that the organisation of the protest is not aligned to any political organisation or lobby group. I think they succeeded in that. I wouldn't be happy marching behind a Sinn Féin or trade union banner, but if those people want to march together with other people with a common interest, that's fine.

So proud of Waterford people for the huge turnout today by the way. Shows we can stand up and be counted. This is one issue where they are going to have to sit up and take notice. There were 12,000 people at the march, according to conservative estimates. That would be a lot of first preferences! If this downgrading goes ahead, expect a hospital candidate!

Aye that's correct and a number of people called for local politicians to speak at the event - something I objected to and got knocked back for the suggestion! I think for some, it was purely just to help their favourite local cllr get a bit of a boost and take advantage of the situation imo. So the organisers were correct in not agreeing to this and keeping it politically neutral.

The politicians got their say today. Cullinane is reported on TheJournal and Paudie Coffey and John Paul Phelan did their interview on RTE News re-iterating their support and commitment to save WRH.

SPQRI

He said "I'm nice & cosy earning a moderate income.
Cutbacks although un-necessary will have to be made to maintain
the lifestyle that I've become accustomed to"

"Further cutbacks will be implemented at a great cost to the
ordinary working man who will continue to struggle valiantly
for the greater good of this gover.... country"

Deisetrek

Sully wrote: »

Aye that's correct and a number of people called for local politicians to speak at the event - something I objected to and got knocked back for the suggestion! I think for some, it was purely just to help their favourite local cllr get a bit of a boost and take advantage of the situation imo. So the organisers were correct in not agreeing to this and keeping it politically neutral.

The politicians got their say today. Cullinane is reported on TheJournal and Paudie Coffey and John Paul Phelan did their interview on RTE News re-iterating their support and commitment to save WRH.

I think you see Coffey through your rose tinted Fine Gael glasses Sully , he was non committal on his position if the proposal went ahead " he would have to consider his position " blah blah . Let him get up in the Dail and shout it to the heavens . The people of Waterford gave our TD's a clear message today .....there's no votes in this town for ye unless ye represent the feelings of 15000 of your constituents who will take no more of ye're ****e and as an earlier poster called it " posturing" . That's the only way these shower will act ,if they feel they will be hit at the ballot box. All this talk too of seeing people handing out leaflets relating to other issues is Coffeyspeak and a cynical attempt to portray the event as having been hijacked . Bull**** ....I saw one girl handing out something ( refused to take it myself) 99.99% of people there today were there for the Hospital and those 2 girls who started this should be proud of themselves tonight.

mozattack

Waste of time today, not sure why people bother really. I suppose it is like those who go to Mass because they think there is a heaven.

RTE interview a consultant who will definately give an unbiased opinion while she earns €130k - €150k per annum PLUS whatever she earns in her private practice operating out of the same office.

It is the likes of that that increase the costs ultimately shutting down the place.

For that nonsense, apply it to schools, colleges, garda stations.... and so on.

7upfree

Sully wrote: »

The politicians got their say today. Cullinane is reported on TheJournal and Paudie Coffey and John Paul Phelan did their interview on RTE News re-iterating their support and commitment to save WRH.

I certainly wouldn't call Coffey's statement on 6:1 "support" by any means.

He was the most guilty looking of them all. Evasive didn't even cover it. You could see he was uncomfortable and would have preferred to be anywhere else. Wouldn't it be nice if - one day - a politician had the balls to say "this is complete madness; I am 100% against it; and if it goes through i will resign the party whip". Fat chance.

Phelan - who I am no fan of - came across far better and actually declared his hand.

Deisetrek

mozattack wrote: »

Waste of time today, not sure why people bother really. I suppose it is like those who go to Mass because they think there is a heaven.

RTE interview a consultant who will definately give an unbiased opinion while she earns €130k - €150k per annum PLUS whatever she earns in her private practice operating out of the same office.

It is the likes of that that increase the costs ultimately shutting down the place.

For that nonsense, apply it to schools, colleges, garda stations.... and so on.

Boy would they love you up in Leinster House sitting on yer arse , unwilling to fight for what's right . Luckily there was 15000 there today who don't share you're " let's take it up the bum " attitude . People "bother" cause they care and speak from personal experiences of their interaction with our hospital services . It's attitudes like " wondering why people bother" will turn this town into a wasteland .

7upfree

mozattack wrote: »

Waste of time today, not sure why people bother really. I suppose it is like those who go to Mass because they think there is a heaven.

RTE interview a consultant who will definately give an unbiased opinion while she earns €130k - €150k per annum PLUS whatever she earns in her private practice operating out of the same office.

It is the likes of that that increase the costs ultimately shutting down the place.

For that nonsense, apply it to schools, colleges, garda stations.... and so on.

Wouldn't agree with your opening statement, but there is no doubt that Public Sector wages has to be tackled. But it has to start at the top - and turkeys won't vote for christmas.

Imagine if a private household had earnings of €32k PA and was spending €57k PA.....along with borrowing €400 a week to keep members of that household in a style which they cannot afford.

It will - at some point - come grinding to a halt. It is an economic certainty. But these people in Leinster House (who unanimously voted for a €4m a year increase to €112m to run the fcuking place) and their muppet supporters and hacks who populate message boards and Facebook will still trot out the party line that we "have to think of the country" and "bear the pain". It's about time they were driven to do the same.

7upfree

Deisetrek wrote: »

I think you see Coffey through your rose tinted Fine Gael glasses Sully , he was non committal on his position if the proposal went ahead " he would have to consider his position " blah blah . Let him get up in the Dail and shout it to the heavens . The people of Waterford gave our TD's a clear message today .....there's no votes in this town for ye unless ye represent the feelings of 15000 of your constituents who will take no more of ye're ****e and as an earlier poster called it " posturing" . That's the only way these shower will act ,if they feel they will be hit at the ballot box. All this talk too of seeing people handing out leaflets relating to other issues is Coffeyspeak and a cynical attempt to portray the event as having been hijacked . Bull**** ....I saw one girl handing out something ( refused to take it myself) 99.99% of people there today were there for the Hospital and those 2 girls who started this should be proud of themselves tonight.

Great post. Says it all really.....from start to finish.

Sully

Lets keep on topic please folks. I'm being a stickler on this because of the seriousness and I don't think its fair we derail and rant about unrelated matters. Please.

Yaxihy

mozattack wrote: »

Waste of time today, not sure why people bother really. I suppose it is like those who go to Mass because they think there is a heaven.

RTE interview a consultant who will definately give an unbiased opinion while she earns €130k - €150k per annum PLUS whatever she earns in her private practice operating out of the same office.

It is the likes of that that increase the costs ultimately shutting down the place.

For that nonsense, apply it to schools, colleges, garda stations.... and so on.

The most nonsense statement of all was the one you just made. Would you rather no consultants turned up to offer support, simply because they are high earners? No doubt some people would have then had a gripe then that the "overpaid" consultants didn't even bother to show up.

Your comment is nothing more than negative consultant bashing. I'm personally glad you felt it was a waste of time, at least it kept the negativity associated with you away from the protest.

Y

Gael23

Deisetrek wrote: »

I think you see Coffey through your rose tinted Fine Gael glasses Sully , he was non committal on his position if the proposal went ahead " he would have to consider his position " blah blah . Let him get up in the Dail and shout it to the heavens . The people of Waterford gave our TD's a clear message today .....there's no votes in this town for ye unless ye represent the feelings of 15000 of your constituents who will take no more of ye're ****e and as an earlier poster called it " posturing" . That's the only way these shower will act ,if they feel they will be hit at the ballot box. All this talk too of seeing people handing out leaflets relating to other issues is Coffeyspeak and a cynical attempt to portray the event as having been hijacked . Bull**** ....I saw one girl handing out something ( refused to take it myself) 99.99% of people there today were there for the Hospital and those 2 girls who started this should be proud of themselves tonight.

I don't think that's true, as an Fg supporter, I know Paudie will not stand by such a decision.

mccarthy37

Well done to all who were there today, we have been walked on for far too long lets not stop here and let this sham of a government know we mean business. We have lost way to much in the south east. I would like to ask the silent Td's from the south east who are part of this present government what does gateway city mean because I'll be Fcuked if I know.

Sully

mccarthy37 wrote: »

Well done to all who were there today, we have been walked on for far too long lets not stop here and let this sham of a government know we mean business. We have lost way to much in the south east. I would like to ask the silent Td's from the south east who are part of this present government what does gateway city mean because I'll be Fcuked if I know.

There not all silent on the matter, that's for sure. We have had both sides of the coin aired at this stage.

7upfree

ryanf1 wrote: »

I don't think that's true, as an Fg supporter, I know Paudie will not stand by such a decision.

He seems happy enough to stand by others. Only the other night he proclaimed it was party policy ahead of the City.

7upfree

Sully wrote: »

There not all silent on the matter, that's for sure. We have had both sides of the coin aired at this stage.

They are silent in the main. Particularly Government TDs. You really need to take those glasses off.

Deisetrek

ryanf1 wrote: »

I don't think that's true, as an Fg supporter, I know Paudie will not stand by such a decision.

Well sorry but we need to hear him say it in the Dail chambers where it matters , not shuffling nervously and mumbling something vaguely along the lines of having to MAYBE consider his position when put to him by Damien Tiernan . He needs to let our award winning favourite little European know that the people of the South East will not lie down anymore .

Max Powers

Great to see a big turnout, it sends a message so fair play to all who supported.

RTE done a good piece on it too so fair play to Damien Tiernan who conveyed the seriousness of the people/protest

The 2 ladies behind it all deserve the most praise

In fairness to Paudie Coffey, he cant do much more than what he seems to be doing, saying considering his position, seems to be working behind scene etc.

mccarthy37

Sully wrote: »

There not all silent on the matter, that's for sure. We have had both sides of the coin aired at this stage.

Maybe they are beginning to grasp the anger of the people of the south east
We have had enough and we are not going to take anymore. Think now back to St Patrick's Hospital, a man had to go on hunger strike there to highlight the scandalous closure of a perfectly good ward sadly to no avail, our Ambulance call service, St Monica's unit, I can keep going. There are two TD' who did speak up about this and I can tell you it will be remembered around here.

marlin vs

Instead of Urbs Intacta Manet our new motto should be Urbs oblitus Manet.(Waterford the forgotten City) I saw some beauties of so called politicans being escorted by gardai and others that had the neck to be there.