Madam, - I am bemused at the petulance of both SIPTU leaders and members, in response to what I would regard as plainspoken and common-sense remarks by the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, in recent days. It now seems the wily old PD fox only has to yawn within eyeshot of the coop, in order to send the SIPTU chickens scattering in all directions.
Even the most unattuned of political spectators would be unsurprised by a statement from the leader of the Progressive Democrats calling for increased competition in the public transport sector, and the fulfilment of Government policy in this area. What rock have SIPTU been asleep under for all these years, if this represents such a bolt from the blue? The real agenda here is much more self-serving. The SIPTU walkout is nothing more than a desperate attempt by the leadership to hold together their disenfranchised membership. They are once again resorting to old tactics and leading us all on a merry dance, as we enter a new round of partnership talks.
By remarkable coincidence, back in 1999, with negotiations just commencing, SIPTU also ran away from home. . . for a while. However like most hungry children, they eventually found their way back to the table just in time for dinner. Let's see how long it takes this time. - Yours, etc.,
RICHARD WALL,
Avoca Road,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.