POLITICAL differences were forgotten yesterday as colleagues and opponents paid tribute to the courage of Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, after her revelation that she underwent successful treatment earlier this year for a non cancerous brain tumour, Rachel Borrill reports.
The Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, said he was "saddened" by the news but wished Dr Mowlam a full recovery. "I have always admired her responsible tenure of her shadow office and wish her a speedy and complete recovery," he added.
The Tory party chairman, Dr Brian Mawhinney, sent Dr Mowlam "good wishes from the Conservative Party". The Labour leader, Mr Tony Blair, who was one of the few people to know of her condition, praised her "courage and dedication" to the party for continuing to campaign while receiving treatment.
Dr Mowlam (47) revealed her illness in a statement at the weekend following press criticism of her appearance and rapid weight gain. It is also understood that she felt it was unfair to her constituents and the people of Northern Ireland not to know the full facts.
For the past three months Dr Mowlam has been receiving daily radiotherapy and steroids, which have caused her to put on over 20 lbs in weight. She has also been wearing a wig to conceal her hair loss. However Dr Mowlam, a popular Shadow Cabinet minister and close ally of Mr Blair, says she is now feeling "fit and well".
The tumour was diagnosed on January 15th during a routine health check, and after what Dr Mowlam described as a "worrying week" of further tests it was found to be non cancerous. "I hope people respect the fact that I regard my health as a personal and private matter and do not wish to go into further details at this stage about what was a difficult time," she said in a statement.
Dr Mowlam added that she was now fully recovered and working to secure a Labour victory.