Industrial unrest ‘inevitable’ as ailing economy gets back on track

INDUSTRIAL unrest now seems an inevitable by-product of the cuts required to reboot the Irish economy, leading economists are warning.

The Dublin Economic Workshop in Kenmare 2009 conference was told the Government needs to impose cuts in public sector wages and social welfare payments, and impose taxes on carbon emissions and property. On the upside, several economists advised against increasing taxes on workers.

Professor John Fitzgerald of the ESRI said: “Today, the task of the Irish Government is like that of Odysseus — the population will have to go back to the oars in a very unpleasant sea. Whether the crew will mutiny and fire Odysseus remains to be seen.”