Hotel group sale faces opposition from unions

THE sale of the Great Southern Hotel group is set to become the first major stumbling block in social partnership talks as unions gear up to oppose any privatisation of the loss-making semi-State.

Yesterday, the board of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) informed the Cabinet of its intention to appoint advisers to prepare for the sale of the chain's nine hotels a process expected to be completed within months. Once they report back it will then be up to the Government to make the final call on a sale.

However, SIPTU last night insisted that the issue would have to be addressed in partnership talks as soon as possible. Just 18 months ago SIPTU balloted for strike action as its 800 staff members reacted to rumours of a partial sale.