A round-up of today's other news in brief...
Electricians vote expected to be very tight
A vote by the Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland (AECI) on Labour Court recommendations that electricians would receive a 4.9 per cent pay increase is expected to be "very tight", writes Genevieve Carbery.
Members of the AECI , which represents up to 300 small and medium contractors, met in Portlaoise on Saturday to discuss the proposal.
“There is a lot of reassurance needed,” said Chris Lundy of the AECI yesterday. “It will be very tight.”
The deadline for returning ballot papers to the AECI is 3pm on Wednesday with results expected later on Wednesday afternoon.
The non-binding recommendation by the Labour Court includes a 4.9 per cent pay increase for electricians in two phases, comprising a 2.5 per cent increase on September 1st and 2.4 per cent from January 1st.
Digger used in failed ATM raid
Thieves caused extensive damage to a Co Monaghan bank on Saturday in an attempt to steal a cash machine using a digger.
Gardaí believe two people were involved in the attempted robbery at the Ulster Bank in the Diamond in Clones. It is believed the digger used to carry out the failed raid was stolen in Kells, Co Meath.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Circus vehicles vandalised
Animal rights activists are being blamed for an attack on a circus in Goatstown, Dublin, on Saturday.
Eight vehicles were vandalised and attempts made to set one alight in an overnight attack on Duffy’s Circus, which has set up at the rear of the Goat pub.
Ringmaster and managing director of the troupe David Duffy said he would be increasing security but insisted the vandals would not disrupt his family’s 200-year-old circus tradition.
Green fluorescent paint was sprayed over the vehicles, including their windscreens, while acid was poured into other vehicles and an attempt made to set one on fire.
“We have had protests and so on before, but recently these activities have been getting much worse,” said Mr Duffy.
He said a demonstration of masked protesters targeted the circus at a separate venue last week. – (PA)
