Cuts for all...except for politicians and top public servants

EVERY household in the country will be hit with thousands of euro in extra charges and taxes under a savage four-year austerity plan — with fears of more pain on the way once the bank bailout bill is factored in.

The lowest paid and vulnerable will be hit hardest as the minimum wage and social welfare payments are slashed, while politicians and higher-paid public servants escape any cuts under the €15 billion savings plan.

Wages of TDs and ministers could yet be targeted in the December 7 Budget, which will contain a detailed breakdown of cuts, but there are no plans to do so in the National Recovery Plan published yesterday.