Aer Rianta workers to put TDs on spot over break-up
The Dáil deputies from Dublin and Meath will meet over 600 Aer Rianta workers at a special lunchtime meeting in the north terminal.
The Aer Rianta workers are opposed to Transport Minister Seamus Brennan's plans to break up the company, claiming he has not provided a proper economic case for it. And the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Irish Airports group's are targeting the local politicians for support in their campaign stop the break-up of the airport management company.
A survey carried out by the group's chairperson, Dermot McLoughlin, found 90% of the Aer Rianta workers live in the TDs' constituencies. More than 700 trade unionists responded to their survey and each respondent identified almost four people in their households who had a vote, he said.
"We intend to find out whether or not the TDs which represent the workers in the Dublin North, Dublin North Central, Dublin North East, Dublin West, Dublin North West and Meath constituencies are for or against the proposals to break up Aer Rianta," Mr McLoughlin added.
And the workers will be seeking a public pledge from the TDs that they will back their campaign.
Only two of the 22 TDs invited have informed the Aer Rianta workers so far that they will not attend the meeting.
Former Fine Gael leader John Bruton, who represents Meath, said that he would not attend the meeting but did not give a reason. And Dublin North Fianna Fáil TD, GV Wright, also said he would not attend the meeting because he would be on holidays.
Mr Wright is most likely to suffer a negative political backlash if he does not support the Aer Rianta workers 30% of them live in his constituency.
Among the TDs expected to attend the meeting are Education Minister Noel Dempsey, the Taoiseach's brother Junior Minister Noel Ahern, as well as Junior Ministers Ivor Callely and Brian Lenihan.
The other TDs expected to attend are: Jim Glennon, Sean Ryan, Trevor Sargent, Sean Haughey, Richard Bruton, Finian McGrath, Michael Woods, Tommy Broughan, Martin Brady, Pat Carey, Roisin Shortall, Joe Higgins, Joan Burton, Damien English, Johnny Brady and Mary Wallace.
