Health to dominate campaign today

Health issues are once more expected to dominate the campaign with two weeks to go until the general election.

Health issues are once more expected to dominate the campaign with two weeks to go until the general election.

Fine Gael, the PDs and Labour are all focusing on the health sector at separate events.

The Minister for Health Mary Harney will be expecting a frosty reception when she addresses the Irish Nurses Organisation conference in Dublin today.

Members of the nursing unions have until 5.30pm to end work-to-rule protests or the Health Service Executive will dock 13 per cent of their wage packets.

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Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and other TDs will later take part in a political panel discussion at the conference. Mr Kenny will also be canvassing in north Dublin and Wicklow.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte is to make a speech on change in the health service during a visit to the Cork East constituency.

The Taoiseach will be canvassing in Claremorris, Castlerea, Portumna and Limerick City.

The Progressive Democrats will aim to raise awareness of hospital beds and other health issues, while Ms Harney is to canvass with candidate Frank McNamara at Heuston Station.

Sinn Féin will set out its public-health plans, including a pledge to provide 3,000 additional acute hospital beds and to end the proposed co-location scheme.

Labour will unveil its plan for sports and recreation, "Game On", which will outline commitments on encouraging participation in sport in the community and in Irish schools. Supports will also be pledged to elite amateur and professional athletes.

The Greens will announce a public transport policy for Limerick City.