The problem is, without context, people are right to criticise the visit as thousands of families have been in the same situation but not allowed. So Piers really could have used his platform to explain why it wasn't against the rules, and what this visit heavily implies
Thing is, on the other side of this (as a medic), you often get the family in to talk to them face to face (even in covid, recently) to have a discussion about what's going on. Unfortunately too, these things aren't black and white, you can be ill, but happy and in good spirits, and take a turn overnight. Things can change hour to hour, minute to minute, so continual press updates aren't even that possible, or appropriate, before the rest of the family have been told the details of the medical update. Yes they're public figures but they're a family too, I would hope that when one of them is grievously ill, the family would be given the space and privacy to digest that, without everyone needing to know the latest detail - giving them 24-48 hours to absorb, plan, and out a brave face on it is important. It might even be a decision about the direction of travel/whether an operation appropriate/ceilings of care - but the DoE not in imminent within-the-hour danger. I'm sure we will find out in fullness of time, but this is about them, their family, and not about the press. A day or two delay when we know we will find out what is happening one way or another, is hardly necessary.
not disputing the optics and the fact families have had dreadful dreadful experience during this pandemic, but sometimes you just don't know what the situation is likely to be in a few hours, and you'd look a dunce making national statements. PP has served us much of his life, we don't need his deathbed details, and he is now retired. We owe him peace now.
www.dailyedge.ie
xx
