Election candidate defends laser display on hospital cancer wing

Sarah Slater

A general election candidate has defended his use of a laser display on the side of a cancer ward at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) asking members of the public to vote for him on Friday.

Outgoing Independent TD Matt Shanahan had the display operating on the hospital’s gable end on Wednesday evening for 90 minutes each time, according to reports by WLRFM.

The laser light display originated from a white van parked on double yellow lines on the hospital grounds with the message “Vote Shanahan” beamed onto the side of the Dunmore Cancer Ward.

In a statement, Mr Shanahan said he believed his actions were "fair political commentary".

Mr Shanahan continued: “All political parties have repeatedly used the campuses of SETU [South East Technological University] and UHW for their political presentations.

“The illumination was to the gable end of the hospital wing for approximately 90 minutes and could not disturb or be seen in any way by patients resident.

“The activity has no environmental cost whatsoever, unlike the tons of plastic posters that political parties have covered every highway and byway of Waterford in.”

He pointed out that he “fights every day” of his political life for better resources and services for the people who need and use the hospital.

Mr Shanahan added: “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.”

However, he did go on to apologise for “any upset caused”.

“As humans we all make mistakes. I wanted to shine a light on the hospital and wanted to keep it at the forefront of the political debate. I regret any upset caused. I ask you to judge me on my 10 year history of fighting for this hospital.”

A UHW management spokesperson said they became aware of the projected image at 7pm and requested that the vehicle leave the campus grounds and the projection ceased.

The spokesperson said any such activity should take place “outside the boundaries of the hospital.” The van left shortly before 8pm.

The “privacy and dignity of patients, staff and visitors” was of the utmost importance, the spokesperson said.

It is not known if permission was granted for the display by the Ireland East Hospital Group, which has been contacted for further comment.