SIR, — I attended the recent public meeting in Downpatrick to discuss the so-called shared services issue.
The meeting was well attended, however, this was despite the best attempts of some stakeholders to ensure it was not.
The meeting was held in response to the Health Minister announcing the commencement of a consultation period back in December on the locations of shared services. If these plans go ahead, it will mean the loss of 33 jobs to Downpatrick and the surrounding area.
Question after question raised the inaccuracies and flaws within the document; the inability of the document to stand up to public scrutiny was shocking.
I was glad to hear the impressive and well informed responses shown by one of our public representatives, Councillor Colin McGrath, who was without doubt outstanding.
I also welcomed the request by one lady to Mr. Jim Wells (MLA) to ensure the Stormont Health Committee was made aware of the issues that had been raised from the meeting. I therefore watched the Health Committee meeting on Wednesday past, via the Northern Ireland Assembly website. I waited patiently for some discussion on shared services and was not disappointed.
Whilst other members discussed briefly the shared services issue, Mr. Wells was tight-lipped and didn’t utter a word. Mr. Wells your silence was deafening.
I can assure you my response won’t be so when I am asked for my vote at the next election. I am afraid it will be a resounding NO for you.
Yours etc.,
ANNIE KIRKPATRICK,
Downpatrick.