Cowen urges unions to 'pull together' with the country

The Taoiseach has urged public sector workers to "think of the bigger picture" after another two trade unions vote to reject the Croke Park deal today.

The ASTI and TUI, two of the main teachers' unions, today voted down the public sector pay-and reform-deal, saying its members had issues with the demand for a renegotiation of contracts.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation is due to reveal the result of its ballot this evening.

Brian Cowen said he was disappointed by the vote from the other two teachers' groups and reiterated that the Croke Park deal is the best available.

He told Mid-West Radio that public sector workers needed to think about the greater good of the country.