The 'resignations' of Sligo Fianna Fáil Dáil deputies Jimmy Devins and Eamon Scanlon from the Fianna Fáil whip over the withdrawal of cancer facilities at Sligo General Hospital is a cynical ploy to manipulate public opinion; and to try and curry public favour.

They had all the time in the world to 'resign' over the withdrawal of cancer facilities from Sligo from the time that it was first mooted; yet they choose to remain members of a government that carried this out and they never voted against any downgrading until now.

I'd say it's a case of panic setting in and the reality dawning that they are in very real danger of losing their seats at the next general election, which could happen a lot sooner than a lot of people think.

I am very hopeful that the people of Sligo will see through this cynical exercise in voter manipulation come the next election.

Don't be surprised to see more of these fake 'resignations' over the coming weeks and months as more and more Fianna Fáil backbenchers get panicky over the prospect of the Leinster House gravy train being snatched away from them.

Paul Kinsella,

Lorcan Grove,

Santry,

Dublin 9