By Cianna McNally
cianna@monaghanpost.com

TENSION arose at a meeting of Monaghan Town Council on Monday evening when the issue of Monaghan Hospital was being discussed.

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council Padraigín Uí Mhurachdha commended the large turnout of people at the protest march that was held on May 10 but said she still feels that Monaghan people are being “fobbed off and ignored” by the HSE. She also added that she feels that Navan, which is recommended as the location for the regional hospital is “well outside the Golden Hour.” Sinn Fèin Councillor Malachy Toal agreed with Cllr Uí Mhurachadha and said that it was a disgrace on behalf of the national media that that the hospital protest was not even mentioned on the airwaves or in the papers.

Sinn Fèin’s Sean Conlon said that Fianna Fáil members have a certain onus to redouble their efforts in relation to Monaghan Hospital. Fine Gael Councillor David Maxwell agreed with Cllr Conlon and stated that the hospital faces “closure through stealth.”

Speaking on behalf of the Fianna Fáil members on Monaghan Town Council, Robbie Gallagher said that while the party will do all they can, he felt that the hospital was not a political issue.

“It’s unfair that people are pointing fingers at Fianna Fáil town councillors and expecting them to wave a magic wand.”

He also added,

“It is disappointing that people are using the hospital as a political football. It’s about the health and welfare of people. I will do all I possibly can, not for Fianna Fáil but for the people of the county.”

Sinn Fèin Councillor Donal Sherry added fuel to the fire when he told Cllr Gallagher that he wouldn’t sit at the table with other town councillors if his party “treated the hospital like your party is.” David Maxwell claimed that he had never used the hospital as a political football but added,

“There are people in this county who can be influenced more than others.”