Train drivers’ strike - Contempt for rail users must end

Finance Minister Brian Cowen was certainly reflecting public opinion when he stated that the two-day unofficial rail strike gave the public service a bad name and should not be repeated.

It is curious that the Minister for Finance was speaking on behalf of the Government on this issue, rather than the Transport Minister, Martin Cullen.

Both sides have been trying to blame each other. While the train drivers apparently had a very weak case at the outset, the company seemed more concerned with discrediting them than serving the public, which should have been the main aim.