'Nuclear option': Rail unions consider Christmas strikes as Halligan floats North Korea trip with Shane Ross

Reacting to the news, the National Bus and Rail Union has said it is "appalled" that the Transport Minister would consider going to North Korea, saying he "refuses to work towards sorting a major rail dispute".

The NBRU has said rail unions are considering the "nuclear option" of striking over Christmas and New Years, writes Cillian Sherlock.

The comments follow news that Independent Alliance Ministers, including Transport Minister Shane Ross, plan to go on a peace keeping mission to North Korea.