Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

He already had 120,000 angry people take to the streets last Saturday and a spate of strikes is planned. This country's reputation is on the line, and that is of concern to all of us. In light of all of the matters which are already damaging our reputation in the international community, the last thing we need is Ireland being closed down or various sectors going on strike.

I speak as one who has already expressed to the trade union movement the need for restraint and a cautious approach to these matters. However, the problem is that if the Taoiseach on the one hand maintains that he is open for talks and wants to reach agreement but on the other hand, he cannot resist the temptation to roll up his sleeves and show what a strong man he is, the job will not get done. His method of handling the industrial relations situation will result in strikes, industrial strife and unnecessary grief. This outcome is avoidable, however. We do not need to see strikes across the country provided he speaks honestly and fairly to the people who are willing to discuss the issues and is willing to reach agreement with them. The problem thus far is his unwillingness to engage in that way and I strongly suggest that he should change tack in order to avoid some of these strikes.

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