Outrage on both sides

As public sector workers are losing more jobs day by day, the public sector is outraged that they have to bear the whole burden of the financial crisis in Ireland. Hearing that makes the private workers outraged and soon it will be impossible to discuss the issue at all. Everyone seem to think about themselves and whether or not they have been given the worst deal.
It was brave of the government to go down this route and as they previously haven`t been able to come together on anything, that they have on this tough decision proves the seriousness of the financial crisis. Ireland's economy is bleeding and tough decisions will have to be made.

What is next?

D-day is coming to an end. The partnership fell through and the government had to produce their action plan. With no backing from the social partners, they now stand alone. How will this go down with the public sector worker? Can they be persuaded that this is the right course of action? A strike action now would be dethronement to the government.
Is 3-9% pay cut too much of a burden for workers that have guaranteed jobs? I`d say that most people in the private sector wouldn`t say so. If you are a private sector worker on 20-25K a year it is very hard to find compassion for someone who looses a few thousands on a 45K salary. Of course, there are workers on lower income too but some of the figures mentioned were in the region of 35-45K. That is a decent enough wage.
The government didn`t come out with passion today fighting for this, that was left to the opposition. On a day like this they all needed to stand behind Mr Cowen and show leadership. The coming week will be crucial.