PDs lament ‘tension’ over bus routes

THE bitter Coalition row over part-privatising Dublin’s bus routes intensified last night as the PDs went on the offensive.

The party’s transport spokesman Senator Tom Morrissey admitted the wrangle had created “competitive tension” in the Government as he pressed for a quarter of routes in the capital to be opened up to new companies.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell also waded into the debate, insisting that Government policy would not be determined by strike threats.