A local TD claims his actions ahead of the motion of no confidence in the Government secured cardiology services for Sligo.
Despite the Taoiseach suggesting no side-line deals were made in advance, Deputy Marc MacSharry says he requested the Minister for Health contact a consultant at the hospital over coronary care proposals.
It's understood once that phone call was made and Dr Donal Murray was happy with the plans the Sligo/Leitrim TD then contacted the party Chief Whip to assure him he would vote with the coalition.
It was announced yesterday afternoon that a deal had been reached to secure cardiology diagnostic services in Sligo following the closure of its cath lab last month.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show Deputy MacSharry explained the process before committing to the Government:
I told jack chambers there would be a price and I'd communicate it on Tuesday.
I've had a statement out since Saturday that its the wrong time for a general election and that I'd support the government and we needed to keep the focus on the real issues.
But I told Jack Chambers, the chief whip, privately that i would speak to the Taoiseach on Tuesday morning.
I said I want you to contact cardiologist Dr Donal Murray, outline the position to him and when he rings me and he is content, I will commit