Ireland can’t afford to be held to ransom by unions

As calls from public sector unions for accelerated pay restoration reach an uncomfortable din, the Government has remained steadfast. And rightly so, writes Political Reporter Elaine Loughlin.

The country is in a far better place economically than could have been expected, but the Government needs to inject that extra few bob into frontline services and infrastructure that were severely neglected during the recession.

Teachers, non-consultant doctors, nurses, gardaí, and other public sector workers may feel their call for the restoration of pay is merited.