Madam, - I read with disbelief about the continuing attempts of the Minister for Health to trigger "risk equalisation". If she succeeds the effect will be to eliminate all competition from the private health insurance market. The VHI will once again attain a State-subsidised monopoly in this sector. It beggars belief to suggest that this would be in the best interests of consumers or patients.
Furthermore, it is truly incredible that this decision has been made by the leader of the Progressive Democrats. Ms Harney's party has a distinguished record of promoting competition and opposing State monopolies. In my opinion this bizarre action is the antithesis of everything that the Progressive Democrats stand for.
Michael McDowell once said the PDs needed to be "radical or redundant". Mary Harney has clearly indicated that she is no longer radical. She should therefore consider her position as leader of the party. - Yours, etc,
Dr RUAIRI HANLEY, The Rise, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.