Thousands of people are expected to protest across the country tomorrow in support of the Irish Congress of Trade Union’s (Ictu) day of protest, which has been called to prevent the Government from making further cuts to public service wages, pensions and other entitlements.
Huge crowds are set to march in Dublin as well as in Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Sligo, Galway, Tullamore and Dundalk. Enquiries by Metro Éireann indicate that many who are planning to participate are being encouraged to do so by the huge publicity being given to the day, and the information materials they are receiving from Ictu by post and e-mail.
The organisers say the protest – part of the ‘Get up stand up’ campaign – is aimed at highlighting the lack of a proactive response to the crisis that faced the country. One of its messages states: “So far we have seen little evidence of any fresh thinking, no evidence that fairness and justice are at the heart of that response. We believe there is a better, fairer way.”
While we feel it’s unjust to cut workers salaries, at the same time country is in a deep economic crisis, and every effort must be made to protect the economy from collapsing. We commend Ictu for its vision in formulating a 10-point plan for national recovery, but unfortunately, like the Government’s own plans, it alone cannot lead us out of the huge mess we are in.
We believe that the only way out is through constructive dialogue between the Government and unions. We must be prepared to accept some cuts in the national interest, where absolutely necessary.
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