THE GOVERNMENT has ruled out any change in economic strategy despite demonstrations yesterday around the country involving tens of thousands of people calling for a “fairer” alternative programme to be put in place.
The Garda estimated that more than 70,000 people took part in eight rallies held in the Republic in support of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) plan for an alternative way of dealing with the economic crisis. However, Ictu said that about 150,000 attended the demonstrations. Gardaí said that about 30,000 people marched in Dublin while Ictu put the figure at 70,000.
Last night Minister of State for trade and commerce Billy Kelleher said that it was not credible to delay the economic adjustments beyond the current date of 2013 as was being sought by Ictu. He said that the Government had a duty to bring in a budget that was sustainable.
Earlier, a succession of Cabinet Ministers said that while people had a right to demonstrate there was no alternative to the present course of action proposed by the Government, which involves a €4 billion cut in public spending next year.
Minister for Health Mary Harney said marches would not reduce the challenges faced by the country.
Ictu general secretary David Begg said last night that it was very difficult to see how social partnership could survive if the Government forced through its current proposals for the forthcoming budget.
“I prefer to believe that we can maintain some kind of relationship and get some changes in their thinking,” he said.
He said that it was in the nature of liberal democracies that governments and social actors had a relationship. However, he said that might not mean social partnership. “We may be in permanent opposition for a long time,” he said.
Mr Begg told the rally in Dublin that Ireland was confronted with the choice of taking a brutal cut of €4 billion upfront or trying to effect a more gentle adjustment over a longer period. “We know for certain that the first option risks collapsing the economy and is a guarantee of more job losses. Our alternative at least offers the possibility of preserving the social fabric of this society.”
Siptu president Jack O’Connor accused the Government of being deaf to the interests of the great majority in society but “particularly attuned” to the interests of the top 5 per cent of the population.
The new 24/7 alliance representing frontline public servants such as nurses, gardaí and prison officers will stage a demonstration next Wednesday while a nationwide public service strike could take place on November 24th subject to the results of ballots in protest at the possibility of further pay cuts.
Public sector unions and Government officials will resume talks next week on a way of securing €1.3 billion in savings on the public sector pay bill other than by means of further pay cuts.
The Irish Timeshas revealed in recent days that such an alternative could involve a programme of reducing public service numbers and reform and productivity measures from 2011 with "bridging measures" to be put in place next year to generate savings.
Yesterday Tánaiste Mary Coughlan appeared to suggest such an alternative deal could involve staff working an extra hour or two for no payment. Mr Kelleher said last night that industrial action in the public service could send out negative signals that would damage the markets and potential investment.