SEAN EMERSON, ADM VF,
Madam, - We wish to congratulate Mr Alban Maginness, Mr Nigel Dodds, Mr Gerry Kelly, Dr Joe Hendron, Mr Billy Hutchinson, Dr Ian Adamson, Rev Ian Paisley and Sir John Gorman.
At the debate on October 14th in the Northern Ireland Assembly on proposed changes to the status of the Mater Infirmorum Hospital in Belfast, each of them argued for the hospital to retain its present status.
Such agreement across a wide political spectrum is a rare occurrence in our community, but it reflects accurately the deep concern shared by many people who live in North Belfast.
The proposed reduction of the Mater to a local hospital will impoverish further a community which is often considered one of the most deprived in the British Isles.
The Mater has been a sanctuary of healing and care for all people and is a symbol of hope to the whole community. Therefore, we applaud the above-named politicians for the leadership they have given in this instance and agree with them that the Mater Hospital must be retained with all its services. - Yours, etc.,
SEAN EMERSON, ADM VF, CIARAN FEENEY, Holy Family Parish; CHARLES McCOLLUM, Church of St Peter and St James (C of I); LESLEY CARROLL, Fortwilliam Park Presbyterian Church; AIDAN TROY, CP, Holy Cross, Ardoyne; H.P. KENNEDY, PP, Sacred Heart Parish; JOHN DUNLOP, Rosemary Presbyterian Church; H. BELL, Cavehill Methodist Church; PAUL ALEXANDER, St Vincent de Paul Society.