FG calls for rail drivers to be fired

AS a seventh day of train stoppages to and from Cork looked certain today, there were calls last night for the drivers at the centre of the dispute to be sacked.

At the time of going to press, the Labour Relations Commission had not been able to find a formula between Iarnród Éireann and its driver unions which would persuade 40 Cork drivers to return to work.

In fact sources close to the LRC exploratory talks reported that the two sides were further apart than ever after more than seven hours of talks. That means a further 15,000 rail passengers will today be looking for alternative travel arrangements yet again. Since the strike started last Thursday, the dispute has affected 90,000 passengers and cost the company €2.5m.