Railway standards - Showing us in poor light

IT is unlikely that anyone will blockade their local railway station to protest over the quality of the first class service offered on some of our trains.

In terms of the issues of the day, poor service on a national rail route may not make headlines but it is a subject that should be addressed. It should be addressed because in the greater scheme of things, it says an awful lot about how we imagine ourselves and about the standards we set for ourselves. Public services and facilities are a window on how we respect ourselves and treat others. They are one of the ways a visitor forms an opinion about us and our capabilities.

Iarnród Éireann is one of the most heavily subsidised organisations in the country but it too often gives the impression that it is happy to plod along, enjoying the privileges and shelter of a state-funded monopoly.

It should recognise that it is, as well as a valued transport service, a living advertisement for this country and offer services that show we value excellence and professionalism, characteristics so vital to national recovery.