Waterford cardiac campaigners say next month’s planned protest in Dublin has NOT been cancelled, but has been deferred.

Campaign Groups have called off the planned protest in the capital due to a national homelessness rally taking place on the same day.

Meanwhile in a statement, the ‘South East Patient Advocacy Group’, say they fear with the upcoming elections looming the campaign for 24/7 cardiac care may be used for political gain.

They state that while they welcome any support, the campaign should not be used as a platform for politicians.

Independent councillor, Matt Shanahan, who is also PRO for another campaign group, ‘Health Equality for the South East’, spoke to Damien Tiernan on Déise Today.

“It’s not being put off – we are going to Dublin,” he said, “we need to do things that have high value in PR terms, so that’s what we’re trying to organise.”

He said that if a march in Dublin is organised, that people need to turn out.

“We will try and make it as easy as possible for people in terms of travel,” he said, “at the end of the day, people have to prioritise this.”