Higgins calls for 48-hour strike

Socialist MEP for Dublin Joe Higgins has called for a 48-hour public sector strike.

Mr Higgins said it was clear the Government had treated the trade union leadership with contempt during last week's negotiations.

"Unfortunately the union leadership have put themselves in that position by their timidity," he said.

"It's time for definite action. I would call for a 48-hour public sector strike as a first step in a campaign of to say 'not a cent' on the working people to resolve this crisis."

Mr Higgins also called for a Budget Day protest outside the Dail at 1pm on Wednesday.

"Workers didn't cause this crisis. Workers had no hand, act or part in this crash and therefore workers shouldn't pay a cent and that's the bottom line for us."