A round-up of today's other news in brief
Enterprise staff to oppose pension levy
Some 200 Enterprise Ireland staff are to ballot on industrial action in opposition to the public sector pension levy, and what they describe as attempts by the Government to drive a wedge between workers in the public and private sectors, writes Pamela Newenham.
The Unite trade union, which represents the staff, met workers yesterday to discuss the option of industrial action or to wait for more general action across the entire public sector, which is currently being floated.
Unite regional organiser, Colm Quinlan, said staff were upset at the prospect of being asked to take a significant reduction in pay across all scales, adding: “our members at Enterprise Ireland are crucial to the attraction of new jobs to Ireland in these difficult times”.
Mr Quinlan said staff voted for the ballot by an overwhelming majority to send one clear message: that Government bullying of public sector workers has to stop so that the effort to create employment opportunity for others can continue at full pace.
Man (21) killed in Donegal crash
A 21-year-old man died early yesterday when the car he was driving crashed into a wall in Co Donegal. The crash occurred at The Rock, Ballyshannon, at about 2.15am. Two other male passengers were treated for non life-threatening injuries at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda station on 071-9858530.
Clare GAA man held at gunpoint
A GAA football manager was held at gunpoint by a raider armed with a gun and a knife in the early hours of yesterday morning, writes John Fallon.
Frank Doherty, manager of the Clare senior football team, was working as duty manager at the Clayton Hotel in Galway when the lone raider struck shortly after 4am yesterday.
Mr Doherty said that he feared for his life as the raider pointed the handgun at his head and demanded cash.
At the same time the raider held a knife to the throat of another worker, Martin McKenna, at the hotel in Ballybrit. Gardaí yesterday afternoon arrested a 26-year- old man in the Salthill area in connection with the incident.
Row at golf club over tree felling
One of the most exclusive golf clubs in the southwest is in a stand-off with some of its members over the planned felling of a row of 160-year-old lime trees, writes Anne Lucey.
A number of golfers at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club said they were extremely upset by the felling plans, and were considering leaving their cars parked under the avenue of trees to prevent the work taking place.