Protesters against the threatened withdrawal of breast cancer services from Mayo General Hospital confronted the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, during his day-long visit to Co Mayo yesterday.
Placard-carrying groups of women made their feelings strongly known to Mr Ahern at various locations throughout the day.
The biggest protest was mounted at the hospital, which the Taoiseach and his entourage visited in mid-afternoon to view some of the up-to-date facilities and equipment provided under Phase 2 of the development of the complex.
Apart from some pushing and shouting at the entrance to the hospital, there were no incidents. Above the din, Mr Ahern managed a brief word with individual activists, stating that he understood fully their concerns.
Interviewed by Mid-West Radio, the Taoiseach sounded what was interpreted by protesters as an optimistic note when he pointed out that Mayo was a very large county and the Government would have to take into account the geographical factors when looking at the issue of breast cancer facilities there.
Among the protesters was Ms Margaret Mandel Walsh, who had a hysterectomy five years ago in the Castlebar unit and is full of praise for the excellent medical care she received. "The cancer service has just been built up in Castlebar and now there is talk of taking it away," she stated.
While the majority of protesters were women, men also turned out in large numbers. One, Mr Matt Grady from Westport, has been operated on for breast cancer. "This is not just a women's issue," he said. One in 300 people in Ireland who gets breast cancer is a male, he added.
One of the politicians who would be affected by any electoral backlash over the issue is the Mayo-based Minister of State for Health, Dr Tom Moffatt. After signing a petition which was thrust at him by a protester he claimed: "There has been a lot of disinformation on this whole issue."
In Ballina, Straide, and Castlebar, the Taoiseach accepted letters outlining the devastating impact which the closure of breast cancer facilities in Castlebar would have on a county where up 1,000 women are being treated for the disease.