Taxi drivers deserve a decent standard of living

I FEEL as a full-time taxi driver ,I feel compelled to comment on recent events within the industry.

I have been a full-time driver for over two years and have witnessed the absolute shambles that has befallen the industry.

This administration (I deliberately did not use the word “government”) has presided over the absolute collapse of an industry which once held some esteem within the community.

The recent report that stated that there is not an over-supply of taxis must have been written a person who cannot see the wood for the trees. They only time there are problems — and this is an admission of fault is at 2am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Even then, this problem could be sorted by flexible opening hours (regulations again). The simple fact of the matter is that even with double the amount of taxis we cannot get everyone home when nightclubs and bars close at the same time,

Do drivers not deserve a decent standard of living? I drive six nights a week to make a wage that is barely the minimum wage.

I dread the day when my son accuses me of not being in his life because his father sleeps all day because he is shattered.

Finally a word about the recent stoppage. I am a student of history and firmly believe that if you do not learn from the mistakes of the past, you are destined to repeat them,

The Irish were kept subjugated for a long time by the divide and conquer ideal. Drivers will never unite if race or personal issues are brought into play.

The recent strike was broken by all colours and creeds. Is what the new Ireland has become?

If it means every man to himself, then the real racists will win, and then we all will be in trouble. I would ask all people to observe any strike notices — both driver and passenger alike — so we can finally send a message through the deafening silence of Leinster House

Alan Jones

Old Market Place

Cork