Hands off our Postpersons!

I, like many other people am gravely concerned at the implications of the European Commission's proposals to fully liberalise the postal services sector in Europe, the so-called ‘Third Directive'.  I believe strongly in the citizen's right to have access to affordable and quality postal services as An Post currently provides as part of its Universal Service Obligation (USO).  Alas, all of this is under grave threat if this ‘Third Directive' in its current form, which is being championed by such free market, neo-liberal European Union (EU) Commissioner fanatics and ideologues as Charlie McCreevy is forced into law. 

That's why I support and have signed the ‘Hands off my Postman' Petition which has been organised by Mr Alain Hutchinson, a Belgian Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

In Ireland, the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) are helping to distribute the Hands off my Postman' Petition.  An online version of the Petition is available on the CWU website, www.cwu.ie, where you can also print off additional copies of the form. If you don't have internet access you can get copies of the Hands off my Postman' Petition from the CWU Head Office, 575-577 North Circular Road, Dublin 1.  

Supporting this Petition sends a strong signal to the European Parliament that we, as European and Irish citizens, have serious concerns about the so-called ‘Third Directive'. It is important that we articulate our concerns at this level for a number of reasons. The European Parliament is the democratically elected forum through which EU citizens can raise their concerns and issues. As a result it will play an important part in shaping the final version of the ‘Third Directive' and is an opportunity for citizens to exercise their influence.

This is an issue that requires the attention of all Irish people and is a unique opportunity to add our voice to the increasing volume of concerned citizens around Europe who are determined to protect their postal services.

Paul Kinsella, An Post, Santry, Dublin 9