Members of the North Eastern Health Board have been warned by its chief executive that the officials and members must work together as a team to fight for its health services.
"The old phrase 'divide and conquer' comes to mind and while we fight amongst ourselves, no one will take any notice of us," said chief executive, Mr Paul Robinson, after a vote of confidence was passed in him.
Mr Robinson said the board was the only one in the State without any major investment and that all of its five acute hospitals "need investment both minor and major."
It does not have "the most basic range of services" and he told them that until the management of the board and the members, many who are elected political representatives, work together "we will be hitting our heads off stone walls".
The vote of confidence was an amendment to a vote of no confidence in Mr Robinson, tabled by Monaghan councillor, Mr Hugh McElvaney.