MAYO TDs Dara Calleary (FF) and Beverley Flynn (Ind) have expressed "surprise" at the decision by Mayo General Hospital to concede defeat in the battle to retain breast cancer services as a satellite of Galway.
However, the two TDs were singled out for criticism by the Mayo cancer service campaign yesterday as a representative and supporter of the Government in the constituency. "They pledged support for us at a rally attended by nearly 10,000 people, they told us they were negotiating with Minister for Health Mary Harney and they have let us down," Mary McGreal, spokeswoman for the campaign, told The Irish Times yesterday.
Ms Flynn and Mr Calleary defended their positions yesterday. She said that she first knew of the hospital's about-turn was when she received a phone call from at 3.50pm on Tuesday. Mr Calleary confirmed that he first heard of the development from Ms Flynn. "I feel deflated - as if the rug has been pulled from under me," Ms Flynn said.
