Mary Lou vows to keep up fight for Mayo children with spinal muscular atrophy
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald has spoken about her visit to Mayo during which she attended a series of engagements in Claremorris and Castlebar.
She was accompanied by Senator Rose Conway-Walsh, councillors Gerry Murray, Joe McHale and Teresa Whelan, Claremorris candidate Natasha Warde and Ballina candidate Michael Regan.
In a statement issued today, she said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Mayo.
“The most poignant moment of the visit was meeting with Cillian Mearns and his mum Lorraine who like, Grace O’Malley and other children, are waiting for the drug Spinraza.
“Cillian is seven years of age and has spinal muscular atrophy. A decision on the approval of Sprinraza is being made this month. It is vital that the right decision is made and that Spinraza is made available in this state as it is in twenty other states.
“I will continue to work with Rose Conway-Walsh to ensure government see sense and show humanity around the availability of Spinraza.
“Castlebar Men’s Shed provided much entertainment and showcased the brilliant work they do. Members of the IFA and INHFA discussed the importance of the new CAP, the Beef Crisis and the impact of Brexit on the Agri Industry.
“I was delighted to meet with the newly appointed Head of GMIT, Professor Neville McClenaghan. We wish him well in his new role and look forward to working with him and his team in GMIT to ensure it is properly resourced and realises its full and true potential. This is the only Higher Education provider in Mayo and plays a pivotal role in the future of education in the county.
“It is deeply concerning to learn of the back-up of ambulances at Mayo University Hospital. government failure to deliver safe and timely healthcare to our small population is not acceptable. I commend the frontline staff who continue to work tirelessly to look after vulnerable patients.
“Sinn Féin is proud that to have an excellent team of candidates across the county in the forthcoming local elections. I hope voters in Mayo will support them to bring about the change necessary for the progression of the county”.
Senator Conway-Walsh said: “We are delighted Mary Lou has taken time out of her busy schedule to join us in Mayo meeting businesses, education and health providers, farming organisations, family resource centres and campaign groups.
“We tried to accommodate as many groups as possible and thank all those who took the time to discuss the work they are doing, the challenges they are facing, their vision for the future and how Sinn Féin can work with them towards fulfilling their goals.
“Any groups that could not be accommodated on Friday can contact me to be included on the next visit or come to Leinster House to meet the Sinn Féin team.”