Robin Swann: 'no quick fix' for Northern Ireland's crisis-hit health service

Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed today (Thursday) that he will be standing in the Westminster elections.

But in an interview with Political Reporter JAMES GOULD he stated he would be fully focused on the job at hand in the ministerial hot seat.

Just a few days ago UUP leader Doug Beattie said Mr swann might be withdrawn from the MP race in South Antrim

But this afternoon the Health Minister confirmed those conversations are now over and he will run

And he said he would be the MP Northern Ireland needs.

"As an MP what I think we are currently missing is a Northern Ireland MP who actually understands the health service here in Northern Ireland so that when health issues are raised in Westminster, there would be an educated and experienced Northern Ireland voice actually speaking on behalf of Northern Ireland."

Mr Swann outlined his priorities including sorting out the issue of public sector pay which has caused a number of strikes over the last year.

But tackling the myriad of issues, which include hospital waiting lists that are the longest in the UK, will not be easy, he said.

"Anyone who thinks there will be a quick fix to the health service, doesn't really understand the challenges that are out there," he said.

"The first fix is to bring an end to the pay dispute because our people are the centre of our health service.".

Meanwhile, it is understood there is the potential for a £1 billion deficit for health next year unless there is a standstill budget agreed