FG accuses Govt of doing nothing to prevent ESB strike

Fine Gael TD Paul Kehoe has accused Communications Minister Dermot Ahern of doing nothing to prevent industrial action at ESB.

Mr Kehoe said yesterday that Mr Ahern had failed to make any attempt to resolve a pay dispute between the company and its workers, who have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.

Most of the unions have agreed to hold off on any strike, but the ESB Officers’ Association is planning to down tools from Monday.

Mr Kehoe said any action by the ESBOA would cause blackouts and chaos throughout the country.