Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I am very heartened by Senator Regan's comments and welcome them. I have been a trade unionist all my life. I have held union office and served on the picket line when necessary. However, I believe next Monday's general strike is wrong.

I feel especially sorry for the trade union leadership. They have been endeavouring to give leadership and bring home the message of the seriousness of the economic situation. This was evident on last night's "Questions and Answers". Right across the political divide, it was clear people were saying we must all pull together if we are going to arrive at a solution to the current recession. One young woman in last night's audience struck a chord with me. She said she had lost her job and is now living on €200 a week. Many of those who will go on strike next Monday have a job, job security and pension rights.

Whatever frustration brought about the necessity for this strike in the eyes of those who want it, I believe they should reflect on this. The damage they will do to any hope we have into the future will be immense. Above all, it will send a message outside of this island to prospective investors, the very people we are endeavouring to woo back into the country, and those already based here, whom we are endeavouring to keep on our side. I am not against bridge building. If there were a possibility of the social partners coming back to the table in a formalised manner, so that should be. I do not believe anyone should suggest at this stage that it is right to proceed with a general strike and to cripple the economy, particularly when so many people have lost their jobs and many more face such a prospect.