Wages and charges

THE OECD has warned that wages in Ireland are rising more than “productivity”, and this entails inflationary risks that could harm economic prospects.

Perhaps the OECD should have mentioned that house prices in Ireland are rising yearly at a multiple of “productivity”. Likewise the cost of essential services such as gas, electricity, health insurance, refuse, etc — all to finance the estimated 450 quangos that have been spawned by Fianna Fáil-led administrations. And finally, the greatest stealth tax of all, VAT.

All these charges are also increasing far beyond “productivity” — whatever class of an animal this may be. Perhaps a dog chasing his own tail — with Bertie Ahern as his handler?