A host of Irish stars have shown their support on social media for nurses around the country striking for their right to better pay and working conditions.
There are over 35,000 nurses in Ireland striking to reinstate a 12% pay cut, and healthcare workers are picketing outdoors nationwide today – despite freezing temperatures.
TV and radio presenter Doireann Garrihy showed her support on Twitter, writing, “Solidarity to those on the picket line today ???????? We’d be lost without you. #StandWithNursesAndMidwives.”
James Patrice also showed his admiration for the workers, by tweeting, “Guys and gals, we stand with you. KEEP HER LIT #IStandwithNursesandMidwives.”
Solidarity to those on the picket line today ???????? We’d be lost without you. #StandWithNursesAndMidwives
— Doireann Garrihy (@DoireannGarrihy) January 30, 2019
Guys and gals, we stand with you. KEEP HER LIT ???????? #IStandwithNursesandMidwives
— James Patrice (@JamesPatrice) January 30, 2019
Today FM star Muireann O’Connell also praised the nurses for their dedication, by writing, “Inside in the warmth thinking of all of the nurses & midwives in the freezing cold asking to be paid fairly for the life saving work they do. #nursesstrike #StandWithNursesAndMidwives.”
Irish singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan added, “Full support to the Nurses and Midwives striking today. They’re the backbone of our health service #StandWithNursesAndMidwives.”
This the first 24-hour nurses strike to place in Ireland in 20 years, after the government insisted that their pay claim is unaffordable.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation have scheduled a further five 24-hour strikes if the dispute is not resolved.
