Lisbon Treaty Yes vote advocate Marian Harkin MEP will not call on the Roscommon Hospital Action Group to abandon it’s planned No to Lisbon campaign.

She said: - “I have supported the Hospital Action Group for many years and was honoured by the late Tom Fox when he nominated me to contest my first European Parliament election.  I fully understand the frustration felt by the HAC and the people of Roscommon who are angered by government politicians who, for election purposes, guaranteed the retention of services at Roscommon Hospital.  An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Michael Finneran TD gave categoric assurances in the last general election campaign that full services would be retained.  However Mr. Finneran sings a different tune now when he arrogantly dismisses the rightful expressions of outrage from the HAC and others concerned with obtaining fair treatment in hospital services for the people of Roscommon.

"Added to this is the recent announcement of withdrawal of the €4 Million funding that was guaranteed to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. It's no wonder the people of Roscommon are angry and frustrated because they feel their concerns are being totally ignored. Indeed it is worse than that; they feel cheated and sidelined by a Government that is breaking promises."

“It is hard for people to separate what is important in their daily lives, such as health services, from what is important right now to the Government i.e. winning the upcoming referendum.  I hope the people of County Roscommon despite their anger; will hold back their desire to give the Government a bloody nose until June next when the local and European elections take place."

"Whether we vote YES or NO, the Government will remain until we have another general election. That's why I am asking people in this situation to look at the specific question, to decide on Lisbon and not to pass judgment on the Government or their actions. I ask this respectfully because I know the depth of feeling and I know that there is a sense that we are banging our heads off a stone wall."

“I will not be asking the HAC to abandon what is a focus for their justified anger on the hospital issue and I believe that it is the Government reneging on its promises that puts the people of County Roscommon in an extremely difficult situation. I also understand the relevance of the phrase "all politics is local" but sometimes we need to look at the bigger picture and balance it with the needs of the local. I hope the people of County Roscommon can find that balance", Marian Harkin MEP concluded.