 Donna 's relationship with Michael proved unpopular with critics . In an editorial discussing the boundaries between fiction and reality , The Guardian 's Scott Murray and Barney Ronay declared their love for Donna , commending the way she " always has time for people " and recommending that she stay away from Michael as she deserves better . Bree Treacy of RTÉ.ie believes that Michael had better chemistry with Donna than with his wife <unk> , however similarly commented that he did not deserve Donna , never having seen her as more than " a notch on his stethoscope " . Following her promotion to ward sister , Treacy hoped that the series producers would give Donna a man who would see her " as more than just a good time girl . " Simon criticized Donna for failing to observe correct organ donation protocol in an attempt to win Michael 's affection , commenting that she had " thrown her own heart <unk> at the first good @-@ looking doctor she s [ aw ] with an ego the size of Texas . " She later branded her " selfish to a fault " for her negative reaction to Kieran 's posting to Afghanistan , but opined that Kieran " makes a far more suitable partner for her " than Michael did . 
