Looks like Cowen has folded to the Unions!

[waterford]

I would actually love to see PS workers receive more money, as you say it might allow more money to circulate in the economy, provided it is not spent in Newry.

But in return we must have real PS sector reform, 24/7 services where they are required, particularly in Health services.

I take it then all the reforms will be in dublin because Newry is too far away from us

[charley]

prepare to see lots of quotes like this over the next few days
Yes Minister - Quotes from the episodes

[waterford]

This is window dressing, the paycuts and pension levies are here to stay, this is a chance for the beards to march back down the hill.

LOL you may be right. playing the part

[spidermom]

I would actually love to see PS workers receive more money, as you say it might allow more money to circulate in the economy, provided it is not spent in Newry.

But in return we must have real PS sector reform, 24/7 services where they are required, particularly in Health services.

never ever been to newry..but if my 24/7 allowances are part of any deal??????..

[fiannafailure]

considering we spend 25bn more than we make, where do we get this money (and no replies about NAMA , banks etc) - everything has to be paid for.

The PS must play a real role in putting Ireland inc back in the black, by actively supporting rather than obstructing private enterprise. The only way to change our fortunes is to earn foreign money rather than borrow it.

[odie1kanobe]

If the unions get more money then it is less going to bailing out failed entities such as AIB.BOI.Anglo. It allows more money to circulate in the real economy, preserving sme's and jobs and consumer demand.

Right...............so give the PS 2 Billion more and lets see over 25 years that amount to 100 billion when you add in future pay rises, pensions, increments etc all being paid for by the Private Sector.

[MacO'velli]

LOL you may be right. playing the part

You'll see phrases like "in the event, that the Economy were to improve, at some future date, the government would agree to look again at the possible reinstatement of certain pay awards if the situation permits", the beards will then run around shouting "look wat we got" like Neville Chamberlain at Munich.

[H.R. Haldeman]

If Cowen were smart he'd pull them in and say he's unilaterally decided to delay for a year the pay cuts on anyone on less than €25,000pa and he's loading that money straight onto the top lads' cuts instead. The Beards' beards would hit the floor - being attached to the Beards' jaws and all - and any remaining moral high ground they held would be lost if they declined the offer.

[bogtrotter]

Most workers aren't in a union. Therefore these guys who are trying to keep PS wages as high as possible are harming most workers.

WE ARE SPENDING 25BN MORE THAN WE MAKE

How can they be harming other workers when they are trying to stop the race to the bottom...We may be spending more than we make but increasing the top rate of tax and bringing in a wealth tax is a far more realistic way of raising money going forward.....Always Remember that workers( including public sector workers) spend most of their earnings on food/ mortage ets which keeps the economy moving while the idle rich with all their tax free breaks give back nothing to the economy...

[Pabilito]

Not in Ireland

The Unions run the show here

Thats why we are where we are

Weak 'leader' occupying the Taoiseachs office

+1

Weak leader