Alliance TDs back Ross over bus strike backlash
INDEPENDENT Alliance TDs are backing embattled Shane Ross’s hands-off approach to the threatened bus strike for the moment.
The Transport Minister has refused to become involved in the dispute between management and unions at Bus Éireann despite calls from the Opposition.
Mr Ross has said that the parties at the centre of the row only want him in the room to open his chequebook.
An all-out strike at Bus Éireann is scheduled for next Monday with rural communities likely to be worst affected.
In the Dáil yesterday, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin accused the Government of “an acquiescence to the undermining of the company and the reduction in workers’ terms and conditions in one fell swoop to levels that are not fair or acceptable”.
“I find it extraordinary that the Independent Alliance is presiding over and standing by that and is not insisting on a proper policy perspective on this issue,” he said.
“If a State company is going to become insolvent, it de facto becomes an issue for this House and the Government.”
However, Longford/ Westmeath TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran told the Irish
Independent he has received representations from concerned constituents, but believes Mr Ross is dealing with the situation.
“The concern I have is the tens of thousands of people who have to rely on the bus service.
“I’m not just talking about the people who use the buses everyday to get to work, but also the small businesses in towns around the country that rely on those people coming in. It’s a big concern.
“I’m standing by minister Ross and we’ll see how the next couple of days go,” he said.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny rejected Fianna Fáil’s claim that the minister “is on the margins silently acquiescing in the demise of a State company”.
“The minister is but one member of a Cabinet that acts with collective responsibility here. The Cabinet is fully committed to the retention of the State company,” Mr Kenny said.
He said there is a willingness on the part of the company and trade unions to engage in talks.