Gilmore not to intervene in pay debate

LABOUR Party leader Eamon Gilmore will not try to influence members of public sector trade unions as to how they should vote on the Croke Park pay deal.

He said while he agreed with negotiated solutions his trade union experience has taught him it was not wise to “shout in the windows” while groups were deliberating.

“The issue of whether people vote for it or against it is an issue that is a matter for the individual members of the trade unions concerned. I think we should show some respect to them, let them get on with that. Let them do it independently. And I think frankly that people with political agendas, whether they are national political parties or smaller political organisations, should butt out of that process,” he said.