Ireland: Summary and Text of radical New FG FairCare Health Policy

Fine Gael’s FairCare proposals, certainly represent the most fundamental reform of the health system since the formation of the State.The policies pursued by the government have failed. Unfortunately the reaction of government Minister Barry Andrews is to say the least disappointing. The time for political point scoring is over. Adopt these policies NOW. Fix our health service NOW

Speaking at the launch of his Party’s FairCare Health proposals today (Monday), Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny TD said:

For the last ten years the Government’s answer to any problem in the health service was to throw taxpayers’ money at it. Billions were wasted and the health service was never reformed in any fundamental way. As a result, Ireland’s health system is now ranked 24th in Europe in terms of value for money. Even today, as we face the worst economic crisis in this State’s history, the Government is slashing health budgets without introducing any meaningful reform. In mid 2008 I established a Health Commission chaired by our former leader Alan Dukes, to develop a radical and patient focused solution that will give us the Health Service that we deserve within a five year time frame. Our approach is built around the patient, rewarding performance from doctors and hospitals, and ensuring that there will no longer be a two tier health system.

Fine Gael has looked in particular detail at the Dutch health system as a model for Ireland’s health service. The Netherlands spends only slightly more than us on health on a per capita basis, but has minimal waiting lists and is ranked number 1 in Europe for health. Under Fine Gael’s proposals, we will move towards the Dutch system, where everyone has mandatory health insurance, either subsidised or fully financed by the State. In its first 30 days in Government, Fine Gael will work with all the major stakeholders in the health service to agree an implementation plan so that the proven Dutch system of UHI is best adapted to Irish circumstances. Our health reform programme represents the most revolutionary change in the Irish health system since its establishment.
There will be some who will say that we cannot afford major reforms at a time of recession. To them I say: as budgets come under more pressure we can't afford not to reform our €16 billion a year health system.

A summary of the proposals is available here

Full Text of proposals here

Clinton machine engages in knuckle-duster politics as Zogby Poll shocks Hillary

The Zogby Poll is a national poll of nearly 10,000 people. It is about equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, with about one-quarter independents. The results of the latest poll have certainly rocked the conventional belief that Hillary Clinton is the Democratic candidate best placed to defeat the GOP nominee. The survey shows Democrat Hillary Clinton of New York would lose to every one of the top five Republican presidential frontrunners. Earlier in the year she lead all likely Republican contenders. This is a huge boost for the GOP.

The Clinton campaign has become increasingly nasty in recent weeks as Hillary's lead has shrunk both nationally and in states such as Iowa. There is mutual loathing between Obama and Clinton. Clinton has savaged Obama's health policy. However Obama has pinpointed huge deficiencies in her health policy. In addition he stated "She's not being straight with the American people because she refuses to tell us how much she would fine people if they couldn't afford insurance."

There have been bitter clashes between both on campaign finance and foreign policy experience. Elements of the Clinton machine are suspected of orchestrating an ugly whispering campaign against Obama.

The Clinton machine has now resorted to knuckle-duster politics.