[PRESS RELEASE] Where is the Minister for Transport?

[Mark Gleeson]

Where is the Minister?
Date: 16th May 2006
From: Derek Wheeler, PRO, Platform 11.
Contact : (086) 3452651
Issued by: Platform 11 Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As the disputes on our railways has now entered its second day, Platform 11, the national rail users organisation is shocked and appalled at the lack of comment by the Minister for Transport, Mr Martin Cullen. As chaos unfolded on our railway network yesterday his continued silence on the matter became very alarming.

The Minister is the sole shareholder in Irish Rail, does he now believe that this important position precludes him from addressing the many thousands of people who are being affected by this dispute. It is simply not good enough for the Minister for Transport to ignore what has now become a very serious situation. Platform 11 is sure the minister would be very quick to turn up at a media friendly launch of the new train but has obviously distanced himself from the negative publicity that now surrounds these trains.

Platform 11 calls on the Minister to make a statement to the rail customers in this country and to take an immediate proactive approach in bringing a swift conclusion to the disruption.

ENDS