The Green Party has accused Transport Minister Seamus Brennan of engaging in a macho stand-off with trade unions representing public transport workers.
Party spokesman Eamon Ryan said Mr Brennan appeared to be driven by a free-market ideology, particularly in relation to his plan to dismantle CIÉ and privatise Dublin Bus routes.
Mr Ryan said the Green Party supported the Minister’s plans, but believed he should appoint a regulator to decide which routes were to be franchised out to private operators.