Statue re-erected -- but row rumbles on
A STATUE at the heart of a row between a bishop and the Health Service Executive was back at its original address yesterday -- although not in its original place.
The Sacred Heart statue was removed last week from over the entrance to the Killarney Community Hospital, Co Kerry, for what the HSE described as "health and safety" reasons.
The removal drew a swift and angry response from the Bishop of Kerry, Dr Bill Murphy, and local priests.
Sources within the HSE said the level of outrage had not been anticipated, but the authority remained adamant that the reason for the removal was on grounds of safety.
The statue was re-erected yesterday but is now to the side of the hospital. The new position has not gone down well with everyone.
Sheila Casey, spokeswoman for the Killarney Soroptimists, said the club was insisting that the statue be put back to its previous position and it wanted other "Christian religious symbols" restored.
However, a spokesman for the HSE vowed yesterday that the statue would not go back over the hospital entrance.
- Anne Lucey
Irish Independent
