Not bricking it on Micheal 'moron' blast

Gleeson had 'reason' for his angry jibe in 2006... but prefers to take 'more constructive' approach now

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

BRENDAN Gleeson has said he had a reason to call Micheal Martin a “moron” almost 20 years ago, but the actor added he now prefers a more constructive approach.

The Hollywood star said it was the way he “really felt at the time” after witnessing “unacceptable” treatment at a hospital.

Gleeson, who is now supporting a major fundraising effort for a hospice in north Dublin, said profit incentives in care for older people are “counter-productive”.

On the Late Late Show in 2006, he criticised the state of the health service and, in particular, his experiences with loved ones at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Now-Taoiseach Mr Martin had opened a unit at the hospital during his time as Health Minister.

During the 2006 interview, Gleeson said: “There were people trying to fight for life and cling on to hope beside people who were dead and this moron’s name was on a plaque saying the oncology suite was opened by Micheal Martin, when he screwed the place from the time he went in until the time he left.”