Madam, – While the part played by the banking, builder/developer, regulatory sectors in our current financial malaise have been well documented, there seems an unwillingness to address the role of the trade unions. Their so-called partnership agreements, with an ever-agreeable Bertie Ahern-led Fianna Fáil, have partnered Ireland with the biggest debt in its history. They have destroyed Ireland’s competitiveness. Insisting on some of the most inflated wage levels ensures fewer people are employed. Trade unions destroying jobs, sadly represents a sickening and relentless cannibalism – like the sow that eats its own farrow. The end result: hospitals at breaking point, an under- performing educational sector and the highest electricity costs in Europe.
Meanwhile, the self-serving trade unionists earn substantial sums of money, despite representing a dwindling number of members. They thrive by pushing the interests of the few at the expense of the many. Astonishingly, they continue to absolve themselves of all blame and fire salvos at the current administration. As a nation we need to stand up to these people. Let’s not allow our country to be ruined. Let’s not allow what remains of our financial independence be lost to the IMF in Washington. We deserve better. – Yours, etc,