THE Fine Gael group on Castlebar Town Council has come under attack for opposing a motion calling on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to restore the Sacred Heart Hospital in the town to its full bed capacity.

The four-strong lobby voted against a motion, tabled by Councillor Frank Durcan, on the grounds it should have been directed at Health Minister Dr. James Reilly and not Deputy Kenny.

But the motion was carried with the support of Councillor Harry Barrett (Lab.), Councillor Blackie Gavin (FF), Councillor Michael Kilcoyne (Ind.) and Councillor Thérése Ruane (SF).

Councillor Barrett won plaudits for his decision not to side with his party’s government parties on the sensitive issue.

Speaking on Castlebar Community Radio, Councillor Barrett said he voted in favour of the motion because of his deep concerns.

He expressed disappointed that Fine Gael did not see the bigger picture and were prepared to play with words over such a serious matter.

Councillor Barrett was supported in his stand by Councillor Ruane.

She said Deputy Kenny was the TD for Castlebar and it was wrong for his party’s elected members to place a protective shield around him every time he faced criticism over a issue of local concerns.

“We all have a responsible to stand up for the future of the Sacred Heart Home,” she added.