EMERGENCY service workers went on strike after being 'pushed to a cliff' by cutbacks in the public sector.

Some 30 fire-fighters protested outside Swords Fire Station throughout the course of Tuesday, though it was only offduty members who took part.

' This is a protest against the Government, not the people of Ireland,' fire-fighter and advanced paramedic, Gary Hayden told the Fingal Independent.

' We're still providing emergency cover - all calls are emergency calls. We're providing our normal service as far as the public is concerned.

'We are doing what's known as a stand-to, which means none of the fire reports are filled in, but there's nothing that would put the public in danger in any shape or form.'

Tellingly, both the station's fire truck and ambulance were out on call during Tuesday morning as the protest began, in what was the first industrial action taken since 1988. However, many officers felt they had no option.

'For us to do this, it's really pushing us to a cliff and we have to push back a bit,' Mr Hayden explained. 'We don't want to go on strike, we don't want to protest.

' We want to gather around and get the country back on its feet again, but when there's that impression that the focus is purely on the public sector and not on reforming the system that's caused this mess, then really we cannot allow that to happen.

'If it was shown that the people who could afford it most were taking their share, then that would be fair. What they are going for now is a sweeping cut in the public sector, when there needs to be reforms across the board, politically as well.'

Officers also reported strong backing from the public, who they said were aware why the protests were launched in the first place.

' We're getting a surprisingly good response,' Mr Hayden added. 'We've had nothing but support from the public today.

'My wife is a teacher and she's had the same where she was. The public understand that this is not against them, it's against the Government and their policies.'

- Robin KIELY