Officers not likely to win over public

Prison officers have rejected a deal negotiated over a period of months with the help of the Labour Relations Committee and independent arbitrators.

The deal, which was strongly recommended by the executive of the Prison Officers Association replaced a deal which was overwhelmingly rejected by prison officers in October 2003.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell reacted to the earlier rejection by closing prisons at the Curragh and Spike Island as a temporary measure. Although he is not generally renowned for his tact or patience, he has exhibited an uncharacteristic level of patience on this issue, which has been dragged out over 18 months.

The rejection of the latest offer is not just a rebuff for the minister; it is a repudiation of the POA executive by its own members.

Hence there is unlikely to be much public sympathy for the intransigence of the prison officers, who have been unwilling to co-operate even with their own representatives.

Mr McDowell has indicated that he is going to save money by privatising the prison escort system, and closing the prisons at the Curragh and Spike Island permanently, and converting Shelton Abbey and Loughan House into post-release centres, run by an agency outside the prison service.

We are likely to hear much more about this struggle between the obstinacy of the prison officers and the rugged determination of Mr McDowell.