Sir, - In response to Andrew Munro (August 10th), I believe it is necessary and commendable that SIPTU, NBRU and Iarnrod Eireann are taking "principled stands" against the ILDA. Being dependent on public transport, I am extremely frustrated by the current situation, yet I believe this stand must be taken by everyone concerned. If Iarnrod Eireann gives in to the ILDA now, it will send a very clear message to all unions and other groups with grievances: "Hold out as long as you can, cause as much disruption to the public as possible, behave as militantly and illegally as you wish, for as long as you wish, and you will eventually achieve your demands."
We the public have suffered much in the past year or two, with disruption of this kind by gardai, bus drivers, train drivers, taxi-drivers and even farmers. It is time this union culture of hurting the public was put to an end. - Yours, etc.,
Patrick Doocey, Dara Crescent, Celbridge, Co Kildare.