Galway's Progressive Democrats are standing firm behind their embattled acting leader, Health Minister Mary Harney after the latest news in the cancer saga, which reveals that 15 cancer tests from Cork University Hospital will have to be redone.

The tests were carried out by a pathologist who had previously worked at University Hospital Galway, and concerns are mounting that some Galway tests may also need to be re-analysed.

Speaking to the Galway Independent, City Councillor Declan McDonnell, a PD stalwart and long-time Harney supporter said: "I believe Mary Harney is the only one who's capable of handling the problems with the health service. Some heads need to roll over this but not the Minister's. HSE management are to blame here ? how does she have any hope when hospitals are conducting their own private enquiries without informing the Minister? The most important thing is the patient and there should be cooperation on these matters."

Minister Harney, a native of Ahascragh, faces a motion of no confidence in the Dáil today. The motion is being proposed by fellow Ahascragh native and leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore.

Local Labour TD Michael D Higgins told the Galway Independent that he believed "the Minister has an inescapable responsibility in relation to policy". In relation to the motion of no confidence, Deputy Higgins said he was expecting "some defections" from Government ranks, but added: "Some people will solve their problem by going missing or staying silent. There's a long tradition of huffing and puffing among the Government supporters, like on the Shannon issue."

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Minister Harney said she believed she had "nothing to be ashamed of" and said she would not be resigning, However, she said it would be a different matter if the Dáil vote resulted in her leaving her position.

The news comes after mounting protests in the North West over cancer patients being required to travel to Galway, which is the nearest 'centre of excellence' with cancer services closed at Sligo General Hospital.

A spokesperson for the HSE West said it would be inappropriate to comment while an investigation by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is being carried out.

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