King well able for the challenge

SHE forged a path on the National Roads Authority, broke through the clouds over Aer Lingus and is now battling stormy seas with Irish Ferries. There seems no terrain Patricia King can’t navigate.

It’s just as well because the negotiation landscape the SIPTU negotiator finds herself in with the ferry company is rougher than anything nature could toss out in a fit of fury.

Colleagues say she’s well able for the task. Strong and straight-talking are two of the descriptions most often used about her. “She tells it like it is. She doesn’t pull her punches,” said one.