Madam, - On Monday the flow of traffic on Dublin's main thoroughfare and surrounding areas was paralysed. This occurrence was perpetrated, with no notice, by a group of self-employed individuals known as taxi-drivers.
The public were informed of a stoppage, but not of the last-minute blockade following the meeting with the taxi regulator. Whether you agree or disagree with the views of the drivers' representatives, the manner in which Monday's action was perpetrated is inexcusable.
Of the last 18 taxi drivers I have asked about the stoppages in recent weeks, two agreed with the protests. Most of the others cited the prospect of intimidation by other drivers as the reason they would not work through the stoppages. My sample suggests the majority of drivers do not agree with these stoppages. Isn't it time we heard the voices of the majority? Like other self-employed people, taxi-drivers are perfectly entitled to stop work whenever it suits them. However, as citizens of this State I do not believe they are entitled to transform the capital city into a car park.
If I was to park a car in the middle of O'Connell Street bringing the city centre to a halt, would gardaí arrest me? Or would I be allowed to sit there for the afternoon while gardaí attempted unsuccessfully to direct buses around me? - Yours, etc,
GARRETT MURRAY,
Templeville Drive,
Dublin 6W.