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

nkay1985

Max Powers wrote: »

The main man from WRH i have heard talking about downgrading etc has said that he would prefer if there were no protest there for reillys visit. If he is saying it, i would tend to agree with him.

I've seen a few people on Facebook say this. Did he give any reasoning behind this line of thought?

Deisetrek

Max Powers wrote: »

The main man from WRH i have heard talking about downgrading etc has said that he would prefer if there were no protest there for reillys visit. If he is saying it, i would tend to agree with him.

I've seen that myself , however I don't know if I agree with Rob Landers on this one , I think we should drive it home to Reilly . We are not in my opinion dealing with an honourable man here . He's been embroiled in controversy the last few months with his conflict of interests in a nursing home in which he was involved and more recently managed to get Swords and Balbriggan onto a list of primary care centres when they didn't make the criteria on an original list , purely and simply because they were in his own constituency . I think this fella is as much a "stroker" as any of the Fianna Fail mafia and needs a good rattle .
The soundings on Billy Mc Carthy this morning were somewhat promising and I have to give credit to the 4 local TD's who appear now to be after getting the message , we will not lie down . but I'd have reservations that they're still going to dismantle the South East grouping. Reading between the lines we might retain services but our autonomy within the HSE will disappear with Cork possibly controlling Waterford's budget . That would be a disaster and they could whittle away our services over a period of time when the heat generated by the protests has waned . The cynic in me tells me we should give him a "welcome to a pissed off city " at the entrance .........

Not The Real Scarecrow

.....all dressed as werewolves.


I'd imagine he'd look like this in the back seat of his tinted monstermobile
#

Jason Todd

I think there should be a silent protest at the hospital on Friday. No, seriously, hear me out!

Imagine how creepy it would be for him to roll into the hospital with hundreds of people lining the streets / entrance and not one person saying anything, just staring at him. I'd be in favour of a slight disruption, i.e.: block his entrance momentarily (not long enough for the Gardai to be involved) and then let him pass through all the time totally silent. It's a serious subject at the end of the day and people throwing eggs etc have no place there. Then when he's getting his tour of the hospital etc people can start placard waving and chanting and keep it up as he leaves the hospital.

The silence of sorts really packs a punch imo. The problem being, the co-ordination for something like that would be virtually impossible I would think.

Dunmoreroader

Phil Hogan being interviewed re WRH/ St. Luke's on KCLR this morning;
http://kclr96fm.com/the-sue-nunn-show/minister-phil-hogan-st-lukes-hospital-and-household-charge-letters/

7upfree

Dunmoreroader wrote: »

Phil Hogan being interviewed re WRH/ St. Luke's on KCLR this morning;
http://kclr96fm.com/the-sue-nunn-show/minister-phil-hogan-st-lukes-hospital-and-household-charge-letters/

No surprises there. Typical anti-Waterford bias. Of course the hacks will tell us it's all good........

"Ill-founded" "fears" blah blah.......

Deisetrek

Jason Todd wrote: »

I think there should be a silent protest at the hospital on Friday. No, seriously, hear me out!

Imagine how creepy it would be for him to roll into the hospital with hundreds of people lining the streets / entrance and not one person saying anything, just staring at him. I'd be in favour of a slight disruption, i.e.: block his entrance momentarily (not long enough for the Gardai to be involved) and then let him pass through all the time totally silent. It's a serious subject at the end of the day and people throwing eggs etc have no place there. Then when he's getting his tour of the hospital etc people can start placard waving and chanting and keep it up as he leaves the hospital.

The silence of sorts really packs a punch imo. The problem being, the co-ordination for something like that would be virtually impossible I would think.

Yep agree with that type of protest just complete silence as he passes . Would be a disaster and bad PR if we had headaballs diving on windscreens like a few years ago outside the WIT . It was a great Mahatma Gandhi tactic!

Psychedelic

Rob Landers said the reason the protest last Saturday was successful was because it was so dignified. I think he doesn't want a protest this Friday is because he thinks it will be undignified, and I would agree with that. He also said Minister Reilly should be given a chance to read the report and take in all the feedback from the consultants and politicians, which I think is fair enough. The fact that the Save Waterford people don't want to protest either is telling.

I like the idea of a completely silent protest, just showing the Minister we're there, but sadly I don't think that's going to happen. Some people are too hyped up and someone is bound to take it too far, and try to block the Minister's car, throw eggs/blood at him or some other stunt like that, or even just verbal abuse - none of that will help our cause, if anything it will damage the good work done so far.

7upfree

Psychedelic wrote: »

Rob Landers said the reason the protest last Saturday was successful was because it was so dignified. I think he doesn't want a protest this Friday is because he thinks it will be undignified, and I would agree with that. He also said Minister Reilly should be given a chance to read the report and take in all the feedback from the consultants and politicians, which I think is fair enough. The fact that the Save Waterford people don't want to protest either is telling.

I have no problem supporting Save Waterford - we were there on Saturday - but that does not give them the right to dictate things. They are not an umbrella group. The time for dignity regarding Waterford City is long past - given our current treatment.

Psychedelic wrote: »

I like the idea of a completely silent protest sounds okay in theory, just showing the Minister we're there, but sadly I don't think that's going to happen. Some people are too hyped up and someone is bound to take it too far, and try to block the Minister's car, throw eggs/blood at him or some other stunt like that, or even just verbal abuse - none of that will help our cause, if anything it will damage the good work done so far.

That is a risk we will have to take unfortunately. It is time to stand up and be counted. I am more than surprised at Save Waterford, given the outpouring of support for their march on Saturday last.

7upfree

Deisetrek wrote: »

Yep agree with that type of protest just complete silence as he passes . Would be a disaster and bad PR if we had headaballs diving on windscreens like a few years ago outside the WIT . It was a great Mahatma Gandhi tactic!

I would be 100% in favour of this.

Black Suir

Not having a protest (a peaceful one) has to be a must. The silent one sounds good. There has to be some few people at each door as we dont know what door he will go in. I have a feeling he will be brought in another way than through the front door. I dont think he will want to face the people of Waterford or the south east. I would also be for someone that could play a trumpet, buggle or some other such instrument and when the minister arrives to have them play the last post, as Waterford and the South East is dying with a long time now and more over since this present government was formed.

MitchKoobski

7upfree wrote: »

I have no problem supporting Save Waterford - we were there on Saturday - but that does not give them the right to dictate things.

Where in the name of god are you pulling that out of?

Dunmoreroader

7upfree wrote: »

The time for dignity regarding Waterford City is long past

What kind of statement is that to make?? No matter what you do, you should do it with dignity. Like thousands in Waterford, I cringe when I remember that muppet jumping on the Taoiseach's car way back when.
I'm for the silent glare treatment for Reilly. As even Big Phil conceded, Waterford has laid down a marker last Saturday, lets keep our powder dry now and see what happens.
Must say, it felt great marching- people power!

7upfree

MitchKoobski wrote: »

Where in the name of god are you pulling that out of?

They're advising people not to protest as far as I can see.

7upfree

Dunmoreroader wrote: »

7upfree wrote: »

The time for dignity regarding Waterford City is long past

What kind of statement is that to make?? No matter what you do, you should do it with dignity. Like thousands in Waterford, I cringe when I remember that muppet jumping on the Taoiseach's car way back when.
I'm for the silent glare treatment for Reilly. As even Big Phil conceded, Waterford has laid down a marker last Saturday, lets keep our powder dry now and see what happens.
Must say, it felt great marching- people power!

The problem now is "dignity" is being confused with abstention. There is no way we cannot protest on Friday. I'm all for a silent one. But there MUST be a protest. What was Saturday in aid of otherwise. Keep the momentum going!!!

MitchKoobski

7upfree wrote: »

They're advising people not to protest as far as I can see.

To quote them from the Facebook page

Can we just reiterate to people. We are NOT holding a protest on Friday. There is plans to hold one alright, but we have nothing to do with that. We have decided to go down the route of requesting a meeting with Minister Reilly instead as we feel it is better for the people to get an audience with the Minister. We will of course keep you all updated.

Where are you getting this idea that they are dictating to people what do to? "As far as you can see?"

7upfree

MitchKoobski wrote: »

To quote them from the Facebook page


Where are you getting this idea that they are dictating to people what do to? "As far as you can see?"

OK. Crossed wires. My apologies. But it is disappointing to see them bottle it. Now is the time to step it up.

O Riain

7upfree wrote: »

OK. Crossed wires. My apologies. But it is disappointing to see them bottle it. Now is the time to step it up.

Bottle it?! Look what they organised last Saturday, those girls have done a serious serious service to the South-East with that march, more than anybody has done for a long time and you have no right to disrespect them like that.

Jason Todd

Deisetrek wrote: »

Yep agree with that type of protest just complete silence as he passes . Would be a disaster and bad PR if we had headaballs diving on windscreens like a few years ago outside the WIT . It was a great Mahatma Gandhi tactic!

7upfree wrote: »

I would be 100% in favour of this.

Black Suir wrote: »

Not having a protest (a peaceful one) has to be a must. The silent one sounds good. There has to be some few people at each door as we dont know what door he will go in. I have a feeling he will be brought in another way than through the front door. I dont think he will want to face the people of Waterford or the south east. I would also be for someone that could play a trumpet, buggle or some other such instrument and when the minister arrives to have them play the last post, as Waterford and the South East is dying with a long time now and more over since this present government was formed.

Wow, I really didn't think people would go for the silent protest when I suggested it. As far as I can see the protest 'planned' for Friday lacks leadership. The Save Waterford March had the two girls as figureheads and WLR and other local businesses rowed in behind them.

Who is organising Friday's protest? Are people marching to the Hospital? What is the route? What time? Too many questions, and not enough time imo. With such a lack of organisation, I can totally understand people's fears that this will get out of hand and/or reflect badly on the City.

nkay1985

Jason Todd wrote: »

Wow, I really didn't think people would go for the silent protest when I suggested it. As far as I can see the protest 'planned' for Friday lacks leadership. The Save Waterford March had the two girls as figureheads and WLR and other local businesses rowed in behind them.

Who is organising Friday's protest? Are people marching to the Hospital? What is the route? What time? Too many questions, and not enough time imo. With such a lack of organisation, I can totally understand people's fears that this will get out of hand and/or reflect badly on the City.

You're correct that there is no organisation about tomorrow's protest. My Dad put it out there to all friends and family that people meet at the main entrance. The idea behind the protest suggested by someone on the Facebook page was for everyone to turn their backs on Minister Reilly as he passes. This, combined with your idea of a silent protest, would be very effective IMO. It's a bit late in the day now but maybe there'd be no harm in doing a Facebook event where the idea behind the protest is laid out very plainly. Also, arrangements regarding meeting places etc.

What does everyone think?

Max Powers

Jason Todd wrote: »

Wow, I really didn't think people would go for the silent protest when I suggested it. As far as I can see the protest 'planned' for Friday lacks leadership. The Save Waterford March had the two girls as figureheads and WLR and other local businesses rowed in behind them.

Who is organising Friday's protest? Are people marching to the Hospital? What is the route? What time? Too many questions, and not enough time imo. With such a lack of organisation, I can totally understand people's fears that this will get out of hand and/or reflect badly on the City.

Yep, it worries me that it will be chaos because of this and no good to anyone except a few morons who want to cause trouble.

jonnyfingers

nkay1985 wrote: »

You're correct that there is no organisation about tomorrow's protest. My Dad put it out there to all friends and family that people meet at the main entrance. The idea behind the protest suggested by someone on the Facebook page was for everyone to turn their backs on Minister Reilly as he passes. This, combined with your idea of a silent protest, would be very effective IMO. It's a bit late in the day now but maybe there'd be no harm in doing a Facebook event where the idea behind the protest is laid out very plainly. Also, arrangements regarding meeting places etc.

What does everyone think?

It is very late in the day but I think an Event page is better than just word of mouth. Call it the "WRH Silent Protest" or something that sets the tone straight away. Worth reiterating on it that the event is independent of the "Save Waterford" campaign to keep them out of it in case anything does happen, and what the plan is, meeting time and place etc. Might be worth giving an idea of where the people will line up near the hospital, i.e. outside the grounds and on footpaths only so no access is blocked.

Sully

Its a tough one. I'd be inclined to agree that the Minister needs to know we wont take this sitting down but at the same time, when everyone involved in the 'official' protest and those working on it behind the scenes (not politicians) are strongly advising us not to protest - why not heed their advise? These are the guys working to save the hospital. These are the guys meeting with Reilly and so on. Why not heed their advise, step back and do as the professionals ask?

Nothing to do with politics, because as I said, I would have agreed there was a need at the start. They were right to say the protest on Saturday was very well dignified, peaceful and relatively silent. Some protests tend to go down the violence route which is why a Sinn Fein / generic left campaign has me a little worried if I am honest as their track record for 'peaceful' protests is not great. Plus I think some are jumping on the bandwagon politically and no doubt we will see anti-household charge protesters there. Just makes me feel that we will be in the news for all the wrong reasons, and there will be a 'We told you so' after.

Finnbar01

The protest will be taking over by the likes of the socialist workers party, eírgi (or whatever they call themselves) and other leftwing marxist cranks.

jonnyfingers

Sully wrote: »

Its a tough one. I'd be inclined to agree that the Minister needs to know we wont take this sitting down but at the same time, when everyone involved in the 'official' protest and those working on it behind the scenes (not politicians) are strongly advising us not to protest - why not heed their advise? These are the guys working to save the hospital. These are the guys meeting with Reilly and so on. Why not heed their advise, step back and do as the professionals ask?

Nothing to do with politics, because as I said, I would have agreed there was a need at the start. They were right to say the protest on Saturday was very well dignified, peaceful and relatively silent. Some protests tend to go down the violence route which is why a Sinn Fein / generic left campaign has me a little worried if I am honest as their track record for 'peaceful' protests is not great. Plus I think some are jumping on the bandwagon politically and no doubt we will see anti-household charge protesters there. Just makes me feel that we will be in the news for all the wrong reasons, and there will be a 'We told you so' after.

I think you'll always have the problem of bandwagon jumpers. Everyone has the right to protest so you can't exactly turn them away.

However I think last weekend's march showed that more and more non-political protesters are willing to get involved. Hopefully they will outnumber any political protesters and keep them in check.

Also as everyone has that right to protest I don't think anyone can tell them not to protest. They can advise them, as seems to be happening, but it's up to the individual to make up their own minds. In this case certain people think the protest is a good idea, others don't. Nobody is right and I don't think it's right to draw any conclusions before anything has happened, certainly that it will be made up of predominantly Sinn Fein/generic left.

I also don't like the Save Waterford campaign being called the "official" protest. Don't get me wrong the two girls are absolutely to be commended for organising the march, raising awareness of the cause and setting out an action plan. But there's no such thing as an "official" protest. However at the moment they are certainly the most organised protest so it would be good for all other smaller groups to get behind their leadership.

I think tomorrow's protest will happen regardless as the anger is still there and quite raw. I hope it will pass peacefully as last Saturday proved it can be done and be effective. Hopefully after that everyone can then fall in behind the "Save Waterford" campaign and use that platform to push forward as one.

Sully

jonnyfingers wrote: »

I think you'll always have the problem of bandwagon jumpers. Everyone has the right to protest so you can't exactly turn them away.

However I think last weekend's march showed that more and more non-political protesters are willing to get involved. Hopefully they will outnumber any political protesters and keep them in check.

Also as everyone has that right to protest I don't think anyone can tell them not to protest. They can advise them, as seems to be happening, but it's up to the individual to make up their own minds. In this case certain people think the protest is a good idea, others don't. Nobody is right and I don't think it's right to draw any conclusions before anything has happened, certainly that it will be made up of predominantly Sinn Fein/generic left.

I also don't like the Save Waterford campaign being called the "official" protest. Don't get me wrong the two girls are absolutely to be commended for organising the march, raising awareness of the cause and setting out an action plan. But there's no such thing as an "official" protest. However at the moment they are certainly the most organised protest so it would be good for all other smaller groups to get behind their leadership.

I think tomorrow's protest will happen regardless as the anger is still there and quite raw. I hope it will pass peacefully as last Saturday proved it can be done and be effective. Hopefully after that everyone can then fall in behind the "Save Waterford" campaign and use that platform to push forward as one.

I agree mostly, I just felt the advise should be listened to by all sides is all. But, I suppose if it does go wrong, we can only hope its just the usual groups that cause the trouble and not decent upstanding people of Waterford.

In terms of the "official" part - I put it like that because they were the ones to organise the mass demonstration and they have a large following.

SPQRI

I've had a look through two local papers, N & S & Waterford Today & not one photograph of the actual march.
I thought it would have been an important feature to highlight how strongly people felt against the potential downgrading.
Are these papers trying to keep it out of the news?

7upfree

O Riain wrote: »

Bottle it?! Look what they organised last Saturday, those girls have done a serious serious service to the South-East with that march, more than anybody has done for a long time and you have no right to disrespect them like that.

Who's disrespecting them? Are we not allowed query the wrongs of not having a follow-up protest tomorrow? It is completely ridiculous.

jonnyfingers

Sully wrote: »

I agree mostly, I just felt the advise should be listened to by all sides is all. But, I suppose if it does go wrong, we can only hope its just the usual groups that cause the trouble and not decent upstanding people of Waterford.

In terms of the "official" part - I put it like that because they were the ones to organise the mass demonstration and they have a large following.

We're singing from a similar hymn sheet so.

7upfree

Sully wrote: »

Its a tough one. I'd be inclined to agree that the Minister needs to know we wont take this sitting down but at the same time, when everyone involved in the 'official' protest and those working on it behind the scenes (not politicians) are strongly advising us not to protest - why not heed their advise? These are the guys working to save the hospital. These are the guys meeting with Reilly and so on. Why not heed their advise, step back and do as the professionals ask?

Nothing to do with politics, because as I said, I would have agreed there was a need at the start. They were right to say the protest on Saturday was very well dignified, peaceful and relatively silent. Some protests tend to go down the violence route which is why a Sinn Fein / generic left campaign has me a little worried if I am honest as their track record for 'peaceful' protests is not great. Plus I think some are jumping on the bandwagon politically and no doubt we will see anti-household charge protesters there. Just makes me feel that we will be in the news for all the wrong reasons, and there will be a 'We told you so' after.

Nothing tough about it. There could be a very different type of "told you so" if we miss out on this opportunity.

7upfree

Finnbar01 wrote: »

The protest will be taking over by the likes of the socialist workers party, eírgi (or whatever they call themselves) and other leftwing marxist cranks.

There is always that danger. That could have equally happened on Saturday last.

Psychedelic

SPQRI wrote: »

I've had a look through two local papers, N & S & Waterford Today & not one photograph of the actual march.
I thought it would have been an important feature to highlight how strongly people felt against the potential downgrading.
Are these papers trying to keep it out of the news?

Are you blind? Waterford Today doesn't have the march but it does have the protest which shows the huge crowd.

Dunmoreroader

SPQRI wrote: »

I've had a look through two local papers, N & S & Waterford Today & not one photograph of the actual march.
I thought it would have been an important feature to highlight how strongly people felt against the potential downgrading.
Are these papers trying to keep it out of the news?

Are you The Munster in disguise?:)

Psychedelic

There were also people on the Save Waterford Facebook page giving out about the News & Star, I saw poor Sully trying in vain to point out the reasons for what people were complaining about, but no one would listen.

People are so angry they are channelling their anger at Waterford politicians, local media, and now even the Save Waterford ladies. All this internal finger pointing and blame game. People should remember the real enemy here, it's not Waterford people or organisations, we should support local people who are trying their best to prevent this hospital downgrade, not constantly look for a reason to cut them down.

Dicky Pride

Boards is back in the news and star as well. In the section where they look at what waterford people have been saying online.

Sully

Dicky Pride wrote: »

Boards is back in the news and star as well. In the section where they look at what waterford people have been saying online.

The new section by the local lad? Or somewhere else in the paper?

fuzzy dunlop

Psychedelic wrote: »

There were also people on the Save Waterford Facebook page giving out about the News & Star, I saw poor Sully trying in vain to point out the reasons for what people were complaining about, but no one would listen.

People are so angry they are channelling their anger at Waterford politicians, local media, and now even the Save Waterford ladies. All this internal finger pointing and blame game. People should remember the real enemy here, it's not Waterford people or organisations, we should support local people who are trying their best to prevent this hospital downgrade, not constantly look for a reason to cut them down.

I would agree with one exception. Our politicians.They fully deserve any backlash that comes their way. We in Waterford will never get an opportunity to vote out two gombeen men like Phil Hogan or James Reilly.We can only vote within our constituency. Peaceful protests are the way to go and the last thing we want is someone like Jimmy Kelly making a show of us. But the government needs to be made aware that the value of the cabinet ministers in the dail arithmetic is just onevote and any move to downgrade WRh will result in a z Waterford backbench rebellion.We call the shots on what our politicians need to do and f@ck any party whip.

Sully

fuzzy dunlop wrote: »

I would agree with one exception. Our politicians.They fully deserve any backlash that comes their way. We in Waterford will never get an opportunity to vote out two gombeen men like Phil Hogan or James Reilly.We can only vote within our constituency. Peaceful protests are the way to go and the last thing we want is someone like Jimmy Kelly making a show of us. But the government needs to be made aware that the value of the cabinet ministers in the dail arithmetic is just onevote and any move to downgrade WRh will result in a z Waterford backbench rebellion.We call the shots on what our politicians need to do and f@ck any party whip.

Your right if its a big issue regrading Waterford. But you are wrong if you think that's the attitude they should take on national issues. If you vote Fine Gael, your voting for that party policy and their ideas. There is a risk involved in voting for a party that they may do something you don't agree with but the TD will vote accordingly. The same applies for Sinn Fein. Its the party system.

Independents are more 'reliable' in that sense, but again, they will vote on what they believe is right and that may not be what you think is right.

Nypd

Sully wrote: »

Your right if its a big issue regrading Waterford. But you are wrong if you think that's the attitude they should take on national issues. If you vote Fine Gael, your voting for that party policy and their ideas. There is a risk involved in voting for a party that they may do something you don't agree with but the TD will vote accordingly. The same applies for Sinn Fein. Its the party system.

Independents are more 'reliable' in that sense, but again, they will vote on what they believe is right and that may not be what you think is right.

One thing is voting for a party and their "ideas"
Another thing is being totally shafted by said party as they plough aimlessly through agendas and leave a massive trail of broken pre election promises behind them.

How can you consistently defend these idiots !!

Bring back Lizzy, we made a mistake, we are sorry your majesty !!!!

Swissarmyknife

Sully wrote: »

Your right if its a big issue regrading Waterford. But you are wrong if you think that's the attitude they should take on national issues. If you vote Fine Gael, your voting for that party policy and their ideas. There is a risk involved in voting for a party that they may do something you don't agree with but the TD will vote accordingly. The same applies for Sinn Fein. Its the party system.

Independents are more 'reliable' in that sense, but again, they will vote on what they believe is right and that may not be what you think is right.

Absolute rubbish,The people in Roscommon voted for Frank Feighan because he said on many occasions that he would fight tooth and nail against the downgrading of services at their hospital.Guess what,he lied through his teeth.There was a risk all right,electing a greedy good for nothing liar.
Are you saying those people voted for Fine Gael party policy?

What he said before the election,(one of many examples)

Also in mid-January Deputy Frank Feighan condemned then Health Minister Mary Harney over the “indignity” of patients being on trolleys. Stating that Ms. Harney and the HSE top brass should hang their heads in shame over the crisis at Roscommon Hospital, Deputy Feighan said “…..Fine Gael is determined that its plan to retain and enhance services at hospitals like Roscommon will finally put a halt to this much-touted reconfiguration plan of hospitals in the West which essentially amounts to downgrading by stealth.”

The people up in Roscommon found out the hard way it seems,many of them are now saying they wont forget.

Sully

Nypd wrote: »

One thing is voting for a party and their "ideas"
Another thing is being totally shafted by said party as they plough aimlessly through agendas and leave a massive trail of broken pre election promises behind them.

How can you consistently defend these idiots !!

Bring back Lizzy, we made a mistake, we are sorry your majesty !!!!

A fair point and something I don't disagree with.

Swissarmyknife wrote: »

Absolute rubbish,The people in Roscommon voted for Frank Feighan because he said on many occasions that he would fight tooth and nail against the downgrading of services at their hospital.Guess what,he lied through his teeth.There was a risk all right,electing a greedy good for nothing liar.
Are you saying those people voted for Fine Gael party policy?

What he said before the election,(one of many examples)

Also in mid-January Deputy Frank Feighan condemned then Health Minister Mary Harney over the “indignity” of patients being on trolleys. Stating that Ms. Harney and the HSE top brass should hang their heads in shame over the crisis at Roscommon Hospital, Deputy Feighan said “…..Fine Gael is determined that its plan to retain and enhance services at hospitals like Roscommon will finally put a halt to this much-touted reconfiguration plan of hospitals in the West which essentially amounts to downgrading by stealth.”

The people up in Roscommon found out the hard way it seems,many of them are now saying they wont forget.

It was completely stupid to make the promises and then enter power and realise they didn't have much of a choice. They made that mistake repeatedly and its not something I agreed with. The FG vote in Roscommon is shattered and they have made their point in various referendums.

That hospital was going to close regardless of who was in power and it appears that Fine Gael went with this promise on poor information. A big mistake.

Swissarmyknife

Anyone know if a protest is planned later,Or is there a different approach to the ministers visit?

deisemum

Well it looks like the authorities are expecting trouble with all the gardai and armoured garda vans that are at the hospital.

jonnyfingers

deisemum wrote: »

Well it looks like the authorities are expecting trouble with all the gardai and armoured garda vans that are at the hospital.

I think this is overkill. If there's anything that will turn a peaceful protest into a non-peaceful one its a large Garda presence.

Hope nothing kicks off as I know that was never the aim.

Sully

jonnyfingers wrote: »

I think this is overkill. If there's anything that will turn a peaceful protest into a non-peaceful one its a large Garda presence.

Hope nothing kicks off as I know that was never the aim.

May have been informed who was attending the protest or who was organising it, so added extra protection. But in general, I think most Ministers get some level of Garda protection anyway.

Chiparus

I have met the minister before a few times , never had any garda.

nkay1985

Sully wrote: »

May have been informed who was attending the protest or who was organising it, so added extra protection. But in general, I think most Ministers get some level of Garda protection anyway.

That's a bit of a stretch Sully. From memory, I can't remember any protests in Waterford where there was trouble, never mind something that would warrant the Garda presence that was apparently in place today.

Chiparus

Actually the last big protest in Waterford was the Rural Ireland Says Enough, 5 k marched in protest at the Greens, there was full riot squad in attendance ( behind the Tower Hotel in minibuses)

nkay1985

Chiparus wrote: »

Actually the last big protest in Waterford was the Rural Ireland Says Enough, 5 k marched in protest at the Greens, there was full riot squad in attendance ( behind the Tower Hotel in minibuses)

And was there any trouble?

wellboytoo

nkay1985 wrote: »

That's a bit of a stretch Sully. From memory, I can't remember any protests in Waterford where there was trouble, never mind something that would warrant the Garda presence that was apparently in place today.

Don't you remember Jimmy Kelly throwing himself on the bonnet of Berties car ,the plonker Kelly that is actually both of them in hindsight.