The 15,000 members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland have voted overwhelmingly to reject Croke Park II.

Government plans to save €1bn from the public service paybill under Croke Park II were given a major boost last night when the leadership of Siptu said it would be campaigning for a yes vote.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors begin a two-day meeting today to decide whether it will escalate a campaign against cuts to members’ premium payments.

SIPTU leader Jack O’Connor posed a pertinent question just a couple of hours before the framework for Croke Park II became public.