Shanahan apologises for UHW laser stunt
The Dunmore Wing of UHW, which houses South East Palliative Care.
General Election candidate Deputy Matt Shanahan has issued a second statement regarding a stunt last night where he advertised his election campaign via a laser projection, which shone onto the gable wall of the Dunmore Wing of University Hospital Waterford, which houses the palliative care unit.
In a 'clarification' statement issued this morning, Mr Shanahan said: "I wish to apologise for any upset that I caused by using the gable end of the Dunmore Wing to create awareness of my election campaign.
"As humans, we all make mistakes. I was trying, as I have done repeatedly in the Dáil, to shine a light on the issues facing our hospital, which remains completely underfunded. In this instance, with this activity, I regret any upset caused.
"I am deeply passionate about University Hospital Waterford, and I hope the people of Waterford know that. My activity was solely directed at keeping UHW and allied services at the forefront of our regional political debate.
"This has been a learning experience for me, but my determination to fight tooth and nail for the people of Waterford is as strong as ever.
"I ask you to judge me on my 10 years' record of fighting for this hospital and not just this one event."
In a previous statement issued last night, Mr Shanahan appeared to defend the act, saying: "This activity I consider to be fair political commentary. All political parties have repeatedly used the campuses of SETU and UHW for their political presentation.
"The angle of display was such that no disturbance whatsoever could have been caused to patients. Anyone suggesting otherwise is just trying to trump up a situation for their own political ends."
