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Mike Nesbitt resigns as health minister amid row with UUP leader
Mike Nesbitt quit after pressure over emergency surgery changes at two hospitals, as campaigners and party leaders warned the service could be weakened.
- On Tuesday, Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt resigned from his post, citing a policy disagreement with Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows. Nesbitt confirmed his departure via a letter made public on X.
- Tensions escalated after Burrows introduced a second "red line" regarding Emergency General Surgery at Causeway Hospital. Burrows publicly opposed removing the service at a town hall meeting last week, blindsiding the minister.
- Nesbitt wrote, "I am not the sort of minister who is happy to discover the leader's view on issues within my purview by having to monitor the media," citing lack of timely communication from Burrows.
- First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed regret, noting Nesbitt "played a constructive and mature part in the Executive," while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly thanked him for "positive engagement" on health waiting lists.
- Health Committee chairman Philip McGuigan requested an urgent briefing, citing an "extremely challenging time" for the health system facing major transformation decisions, waiting list pressures, and workforce challenges.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
Mike Nesbitt resigns as Health Minister in protest at learning about Jon Burrows' Causeway ‘red line’ via the media
Mike Nesbitt has resigned as Health Minister claiming he only learned the closure of emergency general surgery at the Causeway Hospital was a ‘red line’ for Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows via the media.
Mike Nesbitt resigned as Minister of Health yesterday after UUP leader Jon Burrows criticised how health service reform was being implemented in Northern Ireland
Mike Nesbitt resigned as Minister of Health yesterday after UUP leader Jon Burrows criticised how health service reform was being implemented in Northern Ireland
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
L 28%
C 72%
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