Well said Biggles, sitting on the other side of the world looking in. I don't know how things are 'down unda' at the moment, but in Ireland they are on their arse. High rates of unemployment, failing economy in nearly ever sector, businesses collapsing or relocating overseas, tax, income levy and national insurance hikes in order to bail out the economy, appauling weather and disruption, widescale flooding leaving large sections of the community homeless......the list is endless...endless!
If they want to protect their interests, fine...nothing against that. Do it from a position of strength. The public will only see this as additional misery at a time when misery is abound. When they hear some of the figures involved there will be nothing but resentment directed at the controllers. Cold hard face of it!