A Labour backbencher has waded into the row over the resignation of Roisin Shortall by saying she was not properly supported by the Tanaiste or Taoiseach.
Joanna Tuffy says the resignation of Deputy Shortall was a “blow” to her party and says the former Junior Minister was “hindered” by Dr. James Reilly when she tried to implement government policy.
The Health Minister yesterday accused Miss Shortall of insulting his constituents in North Dublin by saying they could only get primary care centres through ‘stroke politics’.
He said he cannot answer what was in her head to make the claims and would not be drawn if he had made mistakes in his relationship with the former Junior Health Minister.
Yesterday on Newstalk Breakfast the Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin demanded the Health Minister go into the Dáil and make a detailed statement and take questions on the criteria for primary care sites.
Mr. Reilly said in reply he treats that with the same disdain as Mr. Martin not bothering addressing the Dáil on the motion of no confidence he put down in the Health Minister.
Labour TD for Dublin Mid-West Tuffy says Eamon Gilmore or Enda Kenny should have done more on the issue.
She spoke with Lunchtime here on Newstalk telling the programme that Deputy Shortall was being hindered in her role.
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