Paschal Donohoe must stay grounded as he faces down the unions

The franchising model of transport deregulation could cut the cost to taxpayers while ensuring service standards, writes Kyran FitzGerald.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe comes across as a polite, yet energetic type, but he now finds himself up against determined opposition in the form of Siptu and the National Bus & Rail Workers Union (NBRU).

The recently appointed minister is discovering that when a cabinet member sets about implementing reforms, it can be the equivalent of trying to separate dogs from their bones and that can prove a painful process.