A levy on private-sector pensions defies logic

The Government’s move is a less messy option than taking on public-sector unions, writes Claire O’Sullivan.

SO Mary Harney is entitled to a €120,000 per year pension, Mary Coughlan €104,000 and Brian Cowen, €131,000 per year?

Bertie Ahern, meanwhile, is entitled to about €146,000 per year from the public coffers. And this is without any mention of tax-free lump-sums or severance packages.