Gilmore is right on day of strikes.

Eamon Gilmore is right when he calls for the Taoiseach to intervene with the unions to try to avert the proposed national strike next Monday (30 March).

It is far from clear what will be achieved by this day of action, and while the anger of workers may need to vented, it is hard to see what good this strike will do. It is surely clear at this stage that the national pay deal is dead, and that fresh thinking is required. Yes, the agreement has been fulfilled in some companies, but given the shocking state of the economy, and worsening public finances, it is folly to think that a day of strikes will achieve anything meaningful.

There is much in ICTU's Ten-point plan to be commended - and much to be debated - but this is not the way to go about it. IBEC's call for renewed discussion is also to be welcomed.

But it is up to the government to govern. It might sound odd coming from this quarter, but there it is. Next month's budget will be savage. The public knows it, is ready for it, and provided there is some element of fairness, will accept it. There is no point in any half measures at this stage, and the government will reap a far worse harvest, both politically and economically, if they have to go back for more. Maybe social partnership should resume with a view to a plan for recovery, but it's too late now for recriminations over the last pay agreement.