The Minister for Transport Shane Ross said he doesn't regret attending a charity event where he was photographed wearing a feather boa during the ongoing Bus Éireann strike.
Earlier this week, photographs circulated on social media showing Ross, draped in a feather boa, at an event to raise funds for Naomh Olaf GAA Club in Sandyford last Saturday with television personality and model Amanda Brunker.
Shane Ross wearing a feather boa while seated next to Amanda Brunker during a public transport crisis is almost *too* on the nose. pic.twitter.com/93ljqEepKi
— â amy o'connor â (@amyohconnor) April 11, 2017
Ross was criticised for the appearance, as the strike by Bus Éireann driver enters its 20th day.
Speaking before the announcement of roadside drug testing by the Gardaí and the RSA, Ross apologised to drivers who felt the action was inappropriate.
"It was a very worthy cause, and I wanted to help this worthy cause," he told reporters. "I wasn't going to cancel.
"I think it was a very good thing we did [...] I have to support local clubs."
Ross went on to clarify that the feather boa was put on him by someone else "for only a few seconds", insisting he did not wear it to the event.
Shane Ross arriving at Garda gig in Store St past Bus Eireann picket. One shouts "where's the feather boa" pic.twitter.com/0EnJhnDB6w
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) April 12, 2017
Talks resume
A Labour court hearing between Bus Éireann unions and management resumed this morning about its adjournment yesterday evening.
The dispute was referred to the court after talks broke down overnight at the Workplace Relations Commission.
Unions previously claimed outside interference prevented management accepting a deal - something which has been denied by management, the Government and the National Transport Authority.
