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SIPTU GENERAL SECRETARY Jack O’Connor had enough of Vincent Browne’s line of questioning last night on the live TV3 show – so he took off his microphone and stormed out of the studio.
During a discussion about the Dunnes Stores workers’ strike and collective bargaining, O’Connor asked the presenter about TV3′s own workings.
The union leader said he should not be taking part in a programme for a company that does not recognise employees’ rights to collective bargaining.
“You knew full well and you now see an opportunity for a stroke,” Browne retorted.
“I am making a statement here, which I am entitled to make,” said O’Connor, before asking him why he provides services to TV3.
There was then a major kerfuffle as O’Connor tried to remove his microphone, much to Vincent’s dismay, before a crew member put it back on his tie.
He eventually managed to get out of the chair – and the studio.
“Ok good luck Jack,” Browne manages to say through laughter. “Quite a stunt isn’t it? Well done Jack. It’s impressive isn’t it?”
Watch the full incident here, including the end of the show featuring flashing lights and a rendition of Hit the Road Jack.
Many viewers noticed TD Ruth Coppinger’s conflicted reaction to the events.
They were right. Last night, she did admit that she “thought for about one second whether I should join Jack O’Connor tonight and march off the Vincent Browne Show”.
However, she added.
“Then I thought of the timing: Jack O’Connor was being asked a legitimate question as to why Labour never carried out pro-worker legislation it promised.”
She also mentioned Siptu’s support of the Haddington Road and Croke Park agreements and the fact that “he knew quite well” TV3′s situation with workers before the show.
“So, then I decided to stay and salute the magnificent stand by thousands of low paid workers today in Dunnes and the government’s real agenda,” she concluded in her Facebook post.
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