THE timing of Mrs Robinson's announcement not to run for election was based on nothing more than logistics, a spokeswoman for the President said yesterday.
Ms Bride Rosney denied emphatically that the timing was connected in any way to the publication of the Finlay report on the hepatitis C scandal. "There was absolutely no contact with any Government official or any party official prior to 12 noon [on Wednesday] when she talked to the Taoiseach."
Ms Rosney said Wednesday was the only time when both Mrs Robinson and the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, would be able to meet before the end of the month. "She had made a commitment to the people of Ireland to announce her decision by the end of the first quarter. And the end of the first quarter is March 30th."
Ms Rosney said she believed Mrs Robinson had made her decision about a week ago.
The Irish Times was told at one of Mrs Robinson's public engagements yesterday that she would not take any questions unless they were put in advance.
In a statement the group representative of women infected through anti D Positive Action, said it felt "in no way hurt or upset by the publicity President Robinson is getting following her decision to step down.
"Positive Action has become very familiar with media attention that has diverted from our issues to other matters, but this has not stopped us, from continuing our campaign.
The statement said Mrs Robinson had shown a "quiet support" for the antiD mothers. "She met a group of women who were infected with hepatitis C through contaminated anti D in November 1994. This group included the late Mrs Brigid McCole."
