Fine Gael criticise Taoiseach's stance on rail strike

The Taoiseach’s refusal this afternoon to even contemplate involvement in the rail dispute is severely affecting business and tourism, warned Fine Gael’s enterprise, trade and employment spokesman, Charles Flanagan TD today.

Mr Flanagan said: "100,000 commuters have been forced onto the roads causing traffic gridlock and huge consequential loss for enterprise and commerce. Thousands of workers are late for work and business meetings have been cancelled. Frustration and anxiety is widespread throughout the business world."

"The tourism industry, which is finally preparing to leave the intensive care ward following the Foot and Mouth crisis, faces a further setback and will lose hundreds of thousands of pounds in lost revenue due to the rail chaos."

"Consumers and commuters should not be subjected to such a regime of anarchy The Labour Court should be asked to investigate the matter with a view to bringing the parties together and forging a resolution. The government has a clear duty to guarantee a rail transportation system that works," he said.