Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

While none of us supports the actions of Hamas, one must deplore what happened yesterday. The Taoiseach, in his capacity as President of the European Union, should call in the Israeli ambassador to ask him what is going on out there. Surely, in making decisions such as this, Mr. Sharon knows the monster he is creating. The tit-for-tat situation which exists in Israel and Palestine is deplorable. The Taoiseach is a respected figure in Europe at this stage and should call in the Israeli ambassador to ask him direct questions about what is happening.

Representatives of An Post recently came before the relevant Oireachtas committee to present its survival plan. One has to be realistic and recognise that it is in a critical financial situation, and that the intervention of the Labour Relations Commission may be required. While a dispute will cause irreparable financial harm to An Post, I am not sure there is awareness of the critical situation in the company at present.