A WEEKEND has passed since the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) declared the result of its ballot for industrial action. In that time it was to be hoped that signs would emerge that the dispute could be resolved swiftly.

Sadly, there is little reason to be optimistic.

It is apparent that the Government is in no mood to make concessions. And it is apparent that the FBU is in no mood to compromise.

Britain is locked on course for the most damaging public sector strike since the Winter of Discontent more than two decades ago.

Within the general public there is undoubtedly some sympathy for the firefighters' cause. Their profession is among the most respected in the country.

But that respect must not be taken for granted. With respect, comes responsibility.

The responsibility of a 40 per cent pay demand, when inflation is running at only 2.1 cent, has to be questioned.

No one denies that a review of the wages structure of the fire service is overdue.

It is acknowledged by both local and central government that the pay scales of firefighters have fallen behind those of similar professions within the public sector.

That is why both local and central government are undertaking an inquiry to examine fire service pay and propose reforms.

It is reasonable to expect the FBU to cooperate with that review and to postpone any industrial action until the findings of the inquiry are published.

If the FBU is so sure of the legitimacy and fairness of its claim, why has it not the confidence to delay any industrial action for just a few more weeks?

By taking precipitant action the FBU risks alienating public opinion.

A service dedicated to the preservation of life and property should contemplate industrial action, which put lives and property at risk, as a last resort.

The FBU will find it difficult to convince the public it serves that industrial action can be justified at this particular point in time.