I watched in disbelief the Dáil debate about the proposed closure of St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar, Dublin.


Not a single member of the Green Party was present until it was time to vote, not even John Gormley whose constituency is directly affected.


I am baffled by Mary Harney's response to Ruairi Quinn's eloquent and moving plea to save this wonderful hospital. She quoted equally baffling marks, as mentioned in the Sunday Tribune last week. These inexplicably low marks were awarded to St Luke's by experts she chose to consult over this decision. What is the saying? "Doctors differ and patients die." She mentioned in passing that some patients she had spoken to were "emotional". I would say they are in despair.


I was astonished at the petty posturing of the reply from the minister for health's deputy, in response to Quinn's speech. The deputy minister for health made a ridiculous remark about the government's "courage" in doing what was not popular. In this context I would use the word 'arrogance' instead.


Indeed. They are doing what is not popular. But it is the cancer patients who will need the courage. Courage to keep on going, even when their wishes are blatantly disregarded, and a hospital that has given them more than just medical treatment, but solace and comfort in the most difficult journey of their lives, is just thrown away by their government.


I wish them courage. They will need it.


Marion O'Dwyer,


Clontarf, Dublin 3