Two events that I attended and spoke at in the last week, one in Belfast and one in Kinawley, reminded me of one thing: people matter, and I was left with questions about the way we are governed and if those responsible for making decisions really serve the public well.

I received an incredibly warm welcome in Kinawley Community Hall on Saturday evening, when the celebrations of their 10th anniversary included a 'Late Late Show'-style panel discussion. After being interviewed in front of the audience by Tommy Moran, I was joined on stage by the renowned RTE Northern editor, Tommie Gorman who has just published a book 'Never Better' in which he gives us an insight into his illustrious and lengthy career in journalism.

It was good to meet him again, and off stage we chatted about many things including his passion for his home town team, Sligo Rovers.

On stage, Tommie spoke about how the Sligo-Leitrim and Fermanagh areas could co-operate much more to the benefit of everyone, particularly in health provision; for that there was a spontaneous round of applause, probably the biggest of the evening I think.

By coincidence, earlier that week in a conversation someone wondered aloud if the multi-millions spent on building SWAH would have been better utilised on building a major road between Enniskillen and Sligo, which would have left cross-Border health services in much better shape for both areas.

I was reminded that a major factor in siting SWAH in Enniskillen was the 'golden hour' rule, that is people in emergency situations need to be attended to within an hour to have the chance of better outcomes.

Yet, here we are, fighting to retain that service and being told by some that, actually we’re better off if we travel for emergency surgery.

There is an argument, of course, for a complete reorganisation of hospital and health services as proposed under Bengoa, to take account of changing circumstances and pressures, which may mean us accepting closures we don’t like. But it should be done in a structured and safe way, not closing down services because of impending crises.

Last Wednesday evening, I took part in an event in Ulster Hall in Belfast hosted by the Ireland’s Future organisation, when one of the speakers, Conor Patterson, from Newry highlighted the deficiencies in hospital provision right along the Border and how integrating health services in a new Ireland would be of benefit to us all.

The enthusiastic response to Tommie Gorman’s comment shows that health matters to people, and earlier that day protesters in Enniskillen had braved the elements to put a 'ring of steel' around their hospital to highlight their concerns. Indeed, the campaign to save our SWAH has been admirably supported.

People’s concerns deserve better than some of the patronising responses of those charged with serving the public and keeping us safe.

Further questions were also raised on Twitter by a former doctor at SWAH, Susan Connolly who was a big loss when she moved away this year.

She tweeted: “I moved (to) SWAH 2017; great facilities, area, school, amazing staff on the ground. An honest conversation badly needed re SWAH’s ability to recruit and retain staff as well as how it can serve the needs of the local community who deserve appropriate emergency services.”

She has also revealed that it’s retention that is a major issue, with five surgeons having left since 2019.

Susan Connolly is a brilliant doctor, so much so that I’m told some of her local patients are considering going to Galway to remain under her care. But as much as her ability in her field, she is empathetic with people and passionate about the health service, whatever side of the Border.

Fair play to her in speaking up for people. People matter.

Serious questions remain about the way our health service is managed, and indeed has been managed for some years. Inquiry after inquiry about wrongdoing, and nearly five years after Justice O’Hara’s hyponatraemia inquiry into the deaths of children in hospitals made 96 recommendations, his report is still gathering dust in Stormont.

Ever-increasing waiting lists, A and E departments closing their doors, GP surgeries under threat, domiciliary care underfunded to the point where families can’t get a care package, nurses undervalued and having to go on strike to get paid properly. The Department of Health is mismanaged and without good leadership or strategy, where inefficiency and bureaucracy impacts on the medical people doing sterling work.

No amount of spin or lecturing from the people responsible for this mess will cut it.

It speaks volumes about the way we are governed; indeed, not being governed at all at the moment.

As regards the event at the Ulster Hall I referred to, the Ireland’s Future organisation is campaigning for constitutional change, and during the event a number of speakers made their case for improving healthcare, education, the economy, policing and justice and other matters in an all-Ireland context.

I was invited to take part in a discussion panel at the start in which five of us from a Protestant background discussed change. I referenced the American writer, Ernest Hemingway’s character in a novel who was asked how he went bankrupt.

Two ways, he replied. Gradually, then suddenly. And I opined that the same applies to change in this country. Our relationship with mainland Britain had changed over time, but the advance of English Nationalism and Brexit has been an exponential shift. So, too, the major change in society in the south, and north-south co-operation (health is another example actually, where people are travelling across Borders for operations.)

And, of course, the demographics within Northern Ireland have changed, as have the attitudes of our younger people, not to mention the influx of people of different cultures, traditions and nationalities who have made their home here.

So, this massive change needs a serious conversation about the future of our island. Identity, of course, remains an important issue and everyone’s identity should be valued and respected. But when asked at the event, I said I wanted this conversation to be about the wellbeing and prosperity of our people.

Last week also saw the launch of the Together UK Foundation, in which Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee, or er Arlene, among others will campaign for Northern Ireland to stay in the United Kingdom.

One of the leading members, Sheila Davidson said that while there were flaws in the Union, there is deep uncertainty about how a united Ireland would “impact our pensions, our health service, our benefits, our legal aid rights and our jobs".

It would seem, then, that those in favour of the Union are joining the conversation about the future shape of this place. About time, and it’s welcome.

And, all these everyday issues are the ones we should consider.

Next Monday, my youngest granddaughter, Eva will be three years old.

What I want for her is a better Ireland to live in, a place free from the mistrust and hatred of the past, where she can have access to a good health service, top class education, jobs opportunities, a place of diversity, fairness and inclusivity and a country which is rich in culture and will allow her talents to be fully developed.

Happy birthday Eva, here’s to your and Ireland’s future.