Regulator and minister slam taxi-drivers’ strike threat

The Taxi Regulator and the Minister for Sport and Tourism have both criticised threats by taxi-drivers to go on strike during next month's Ryder Cup.

Around 1,000 mainly Dublin-based drivers voted in favour of taking further strike action last night as part of their campaign against a new fare structure.

The regulator, Ger Deering, said today that the action would not achieve anything because the regulatory process could not be undermined by threats and protests.

He said the new fare structure was a "balanced response to the needs and wants of customers and drivers as well".

Minister John O'Donoghue, meanwhile, has said he is very disappointed with the taxi-drivers' strike threat, saying it could damage Ireland's reputation as a tourist destination

He says the Ryder Cup will be the largest sporting event ever to take place in Ireland and is a perfect opportunity to showcase the country as a destination for hosting international sporting events.