A consultant cardiologist in Co Galway who has been one of the most vocal campaigners against the Hanly report on hospital reorganisation hopes to contest the next general election for Fine Gael.
Dr John Barton, who practises at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, said he was approached by several parties including Fine Gael, the Labour Party and an alliance of Independents."I've made the decision to throw in my hat with Fine Gael. I will be seeking a nomination to run for the party in February," he said.
"I have been thinking about this for two years and if I don't do it now I'll never do it . . . I would like to do this for a term anyway. I don't know if I will like it or not, or get elected or not, but I'll have a good go."
If he succeeds in getting a Fine Gael nomination he will contest the election in Galway East, a four-seat constituency, where at present two seats are held by Fianna Fáil, one by Fine Gael and one by an Independent. The sitting TDs are junior minister Noel Treacy and Joe Callinan (FF), Paul Connaughton (FG) and Paddy McHugh, an Independent.
Dr Barton said there was a need for "more voices for patients" in the Dáil. He was angry at the Hanly proposals and Minister for Health Mary Harney's plans to build private hospitals on the site of public hospitals.