Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Last week, I had occasion to compliment the trade union movement on its display of courage in changing direction when the common good required it. Today, I again salute the leadership of the trade union movement for the manner in which it engaged with and facilitated the outcome of the Croke Park meetings. I am disappointed at the manner in which some people were very quick to talk down what has emerged from the Croke Park discussions. Some sections of the media appear to think that nothing should be given the opportunity to progress and the ink could hardly have been dry on that draft agreement when it already was being put in a position of negativity. It is not right for the media to do this as they should give leadership in such a case. The contents of that draft agreement must now go back to the membership and the last thing one wants at this time is for further negativity to be heaped on what already exists.