‘Shame on you’ – Gráinne Seoige faces backlash over election ad

Gráinne Seoige is being called out over her election ad

The journalist has taken out ads in local newspapers in Galway asking the public if they know "treatment for cancer outcomes in Galway are the worst in the country".

Seoige promises to change this by helping invest more in Galway cancer care.

She vowed: "More investment can change this. If elected, I will work to bring this investment to ensure all people get equal treatment in Galway."

Seoige has been called out over the ad with many people on X saying the ad is 'disgusting'.

Another user wrote: "My mother almost died last summer at Galway University Hospital due to gross overcrowding, a chaotic system and incompetence. I cannot put into words how enraged this ad makes me feel. Shame on you and your party!"

"I would think, Grainne, that patients don't need to be told how bad things are in our health system. Take down the poster & cop on," one also said.

I don’t often comment directly on politics, but this is breathtaking. pic.twitter.com/Gf2p4kjT8B

— Shane Corr ☘️ (@Default69202648) November 8, 2024

Seoige addressed the backlash and stressed that the ad is not a "criticism of Stephen Donnelly".

"There is a lot of work to be done. And I’m not part of government yet, but if I am elected, I’ll be working with Minister Donnelly over the next five years, hopefully to really bring that on.

"I will never apologise for standing up for women’s health. I was patron of the NBCRI some years ago. I’ve made a documentary on menopause. It is something that is really, really close to my heart," she stressed.

Following the backlash, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly defended Seogie.

He also agreed that more investments are needed when it comes to cancer care in Galway.

Stephen Donnelly told RTÉ, "Gráinne is calling out something that is very real. This has been a long standing issue."

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