Criticism over work force rift claim

FOR the second time in less than a week, Government ministers have been criticised for claiming there is a major rift between public and private sector workers.

Yesterday when asked about impending strikes and protest action by trade union members, the first of which is this Friday, Tánaiste Mary Coughlan said people’s preferred option was that there would not be industrial unrest.

“We can appreciate that everyone is under a lot of pressure and what we’re seeing is a differential between the public and the private sector which I think is hurtful. It would be best if everyone came together for the betterment of Irish society.”