AN UPBEAT Brian Lenihan has announced that he will continue on as Minister for Finance despite being diagnosed with cancer. He added that if his condition changes he would step down on medical advice in the interests of the country.
In a statement yesterday Mr Lenihan said he would begin cancer treatment later this week. The treatment will involve chemotherapy and radiotherapy, following the removal of cancerous tissue from the entrance to his pancreas.
“During the week before Christmas, I underwent tests in hospital which identified a blockage at the entrance to my pancreas. A stent was inserted and the pancreas is now functioning normally. Cancerous tissue has been identified in the material that has caused the blockage,” said the statement
“Notwithstanding this medical condition, I am feeling fit and well. Having discussed the matter with the Taoiseach and having consulted my medical advisers, it is my intention to continue to serve as Minister for Finance,” he said.
He added that he was aware of the implications for the office he holds.
“My doctors have advised that I am fit to continue to fulfil my duties. If that position were to change in the course of my treatment, I would be the first to recognise it. At all times, I will act in the best interests of the country and in accordance with any medical advice received. I do not intend to issue any further statements about this matter.”
He said he would not be accepting speaking engagements in the next few months but would continue to fulfil the essential functions of his office, attend Government meetings and remain accountable to Dáil Éireann.
At a briefing for political correspondents Mr Lenihan said he did not see the need for an additional minister of state to carry out speaking engagements on his behalf but said that was a matter for the Taoiseach. “But I’m satisfied I can perform my essential functions as Minister for Finance,” he said.
Commenting on the initial report of his illness by TV3 on St Stephen’s Day, Mr Lenihan said: “I’m satisfied that I didn’t disclose my medical information and I’m also satisfied my medical advisers didn’t disclose it. It was confidential doctor-patient information.”
Accepting that it was in the public interest that people knew the state of health of the Minister for Finance, he added: “On the other hand, I suppose I would question whether there was any real public interest served in disclosing it on St Stephen’s Day, as distinct from January 4th.”
In a lighter vein, the Minister said he had been assured that he was not going to lose his hair as a result of chemotherapy. “I don’t quite believe that, I have to say,” he added.
Mr Lenihan refused to be drawn about how his illness might affect his long-term political future. He cited Harold Wilson’s dictum “A week is a long time in politics”.
He added: “I’m very focused on the long term in the department and the economy and I’m thinking that way, but ambitions somewhat fade when you’re in a position like this and you focus on survival yourself and doing your job right.”
His Opposition counterparts last night expressed support for Mr Lenihan in his battle with cancer. “I wish Brian Lenihan a full and speedy recovery and the very best for his forthcoming course of treatment,” said Fine Gael finance spokesman Richard Bruton.
“In particular, the Minister’s frank and detailed statement about his illness is commendable, as well as his determination to concentrate his energies on the Department of Finance,” he added.
Labour finance spokeswoman Joan Burton also extended her best wishes to the Minister. “Brian Lenihan enjoys personal respect and admiration on all sides of the Dáil and in his battle against this serious illness he will have the support of every member of the House. The manner in which the condition was disclosed on St Stephen’s Day can only have added to the stress of the Minister and his family, but Mr Lenihan has dealt with this situation with characteristic dignity,” she added.