THE CHAIRMAN of Cork Taxi Drivers’ Association executed a U-turn on his claim that the organisation was closed to foreign nationals – a comment that prompted accusations of discrimination and racism yesterday.
Association chairman Derry Coughlan refuted claims that his organisation was racist or discriminatory, and said the 350-strong association had members from many countries.
Cork taxi driver Lama Niankowe claimed he was told the “union” was for Irish drivers only when interviewed on Monday as taxi drivers nationwide held a 24-hour stoppage in protest over conditions in the industry.
Mr Niankowe worked through Monday’s action.
Speaking to the media on Monday in response to Mr Niankowe’s claim, Mr Coughlan said “our constitution does not allow us to take on any non-nationals at the moment”.
Yesterday, Mr Coughlan said this was not meant as a racist comment and the association was open to all nationalities.
“We only take on people who are suitably qualified. We have Cork men and women and we have people from all over the world, Scotland, England, Bangladesh, India, Tunisia and Chile. I am governed by a mandate from our members and racism does not come into it.”
Tim McCarthy, chairman of the Cork taxi branch of the Independent Workers’ Union, said the union does “not subscribe to Mr Coughlan’s views. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion or creed.”