Brennan to respond to privatisation ultimatum

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan is due to respond today to union demands that he scrap his plans to privatise 25% of Dublin Bus routes.

SIPTU and the National Bus and Railworkers Union made the demand during talks with the minister yesterday and gave him until noon today to respond.

The unions threatened to bring the entire public transport system to a standstill if Mr Brennan failed to dilute his privatisation plans.

Speaking after the talks, SIPTU spokesman Tony Tobin said: "Any franchising out of the present routes is not acceptable to our members."