 All roads led last night to The Ballybay Wetlands Centre for the local version of the Frontline. Local lady Aine Kerr Political Corespondent with the Irish independent hosted the debate. The combatants who gave a very good account of themselves were SF Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, FG Cllr Heather Humphreys, Independent Candidate John McGuirk , FF Deputy Margaret Conlon, and FG Cllr Sean Conlon . The well informed audience listened attentively to the questions posed by the host. Issues to the fore front where Monaghan Hospital, Carers, Pile-ons, Power cables under ground or over ground, Jobs and Emigration, Banks and National Debt etc.
Firstly Independent Candidate John McGuirk gave a speach but had to leave when he was finished to be on the Prime Time Late Debate for 10:45. In his speech he went into detail about the €18 million per day been spent servicing the country's debt and his sound bite was 2pc VAT increase and how it would have everyone shopping in Armagh and Enniskilan and which would only create jobs in the North and not here. John stated that Fine Geal have a brilliant plan for job creation.
  Monaghan General Hospital
A very well spoken Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin took the mic and thanked the Ballybay Development Association. He went on to show his whole hearted idea of restoration of all services in Cavan and Monaghan. "I pledge to restore full services to Monaghan General Hospital and the Emergency Services must be the first to be restored." he said.
FF Deputy Margaret Conlon said "I'd like to see Monaghan General Hospital as a centre of excellence." She went into detail of how they worked to get a CT Scanner for the Hospital and after a long wait it is now in situ and went on to say that in most cases medical decisions were made by insurance companies and not my medical professionals. . She said "I believe people on waiting lists for a CT Scan in the region should be able to have it done very quickly and efficiently at Monaghan General Hospital."
FG Cllr Sean Conlon aspoused FG'S Health policy speaking at length on the inefficiencies in large hospitals stating that small well run efficient hospitlas like monaghan would thrive under his party's scheme. He also said, "We want to protect the front line services like Doctors and Nurses.
Cllr Heather Humphreys spoke of her determination to restore the Medical assessment Unit where people with heart atachks or strokes or other medical problems could be assessed before being sent to the most apropriat hospital. Finne Geal are committed to that." she said.
Aine Kerr was very professional as she commanded complete control of the evening.
Dr Brian Norton said later "Pat Kenny has some competition!", within his speech at the end of the evening and then Aine was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Gabrielle Doherty.
All the candidates come accross very determined and passionate on all the issues national and local it is the opinion of this website that the people of Co Monaghan will be well served regardless of who we ellect to represent us. Vote early and often!
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Friday, 18 February 2011 10:05