THE recent announcements made in relation to the series of cuts and charges being considered by the Government are alarming.

FERGUS FINLAY has, for the third week in a row, argued the case for a freeze on public service pay increments. While we don’t doubt the sincerity of his appeal for fairness and equity across all sections of society, his proposal would penalise the lowest paid in the public service, especially younger workers who are struggling most.

THE continued viability of the national broadcaster RTÉ must now be surely in doubt following the Fr Kevin Reynolds defamation case and other cases of a similar nature, with substantial sums of taxpayers’ money being paid out because of a lack of proper oversight.

IT seems that our rulers, despite warnings from Leo Varadkar, have quietly introduced legislation that allows ministers to drive in bus lanes.

I FEEL compelled to take pen to paper in sheer disgust and overwhelming belief at the Governments’ (past and present) plunder of this wonderful country.

I WAS very annoyed and disgusted when I heard that Joan Burton was planning to cut only €600 million from the social welfare budget.

I HAVE read Fergus Finlay’s column in Tuesday’s Irish Examiner (Nov 22) and I am appalled by his call to stop increments for Public Servants.

I WISH to pay tribute today to a noble band of Irishwomen who, to the best of my knowledge, have never been recognised or thanked before this for their huge contribution to Irish culture and, above all, for the width and depth of the real and subtle kind of love which they show towards their husbands, fathers, and sons. These women are special. I observed one of them in action in Clare last night and was reminded of their worth.

THE news that the German Bundestag got to examine the details of our budget before we got to hear the delectable details did not surprise me in the slightest.

IT appears that RTÉ, with the mandate for public service broadcasting, has settled the libel action with Fr Kevin Reynolds with a gagging clause so as to hide amount of the award.