What. A. Day.

With the picketers from Bus Eireann showing up at 4am outside bus and train stations around the country, they've effectively brought all of Ireland to a standstill. The only form of public transport that wasn't directly effected was the Luas, and even that experienced technical problems on the Green Line between Beechwood and Stephen's Green. So, naturally, at a time like this, we look to our leaders. Or more specifically, the Minister for Transport Shane Ross, who didn't take long this morning to react to the day's proceedings.

Shane Ross's response to the transport chaos this morning: "I am actively monitoring developments." pic.twitter.com/seaeOK9zwP

— Hugh O'Connell (@oconnellhugh) March 31, 2017

Speaking to Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One this morning (via Irish Examiner), Ross said that he was disgusted by the unjustified and unfair actions taken this morning, and urged the parties involved in the strike to get together and work out a solution as soon as possible. However, he reminded listeners that he would not intervene in an industrial relations dispute, stating that "It would be illegal for me to give state aid." Twitter, being Twitter, responded.

Now it's got serious, and Shane Ross TD took pains to tell RTÉ News that he was already at his desk. Already.#DublinBus #buseireann

— Eh (@AodhBC) March 31, 2017

Award for Shane Ross this morning who says he is "at his desk now". HOW DID YOU GET THERE??? #busstrike

— Sue Murphy (@IllSueYa) March 31, 2017

Bizarrely comforting to see that sport isn't the only part of Shane Ross' job that he's utterly appalling at. Consistency is key, kids

— Richie McCormåck (@RichieMcCormack) March 31, 2017

Staggering response from Minister: 'It's just not on': Shane Ross says he won't intervene in dispute #busstrike https://t.co/fRuNUf2R1b

— Age Action (@AgeAction) March 31, 2017

#ShaneRoss today. Mr Invisible #busstrike #trainstrike pic.twitter.com/NuFF3E0dRQ

— @Aoifs123 (@Aoifs123) March 31, 2017

Taoiseach must get Minister Shane Ross to do his job – @GerryAdamsSF https://t.co/x88oceRpQN pic.twitter.com/76jPX1lw7n

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) March 31, 2017

Largest public transport strike in years on Shane Ross' watch. Magnificent! Up the workers!❤

— Oireachtas Retort (@Oireachtas_RX) March 31, 2017

If you must blame anyone for the public transport strike, no better start than the people who voted FG, FF and Shane Ross.

— Mark Malone (@soundmigration) March 31, 2017

Shane Ross waking up this morning #BusStrike pic.twitter.com/NHuAqy6XrE

— megg (@_M_egg) March 31, 2017

Nice of Shane Ross not to to do any work in solidarity, in fairness.

— Muireann O'Dwyer (@Mergito) March 31, 2017