Why should Joe Soap pay for judges’ wigs

IN your report (‘Judges fork out €80k on wigs and gowns’, February 20), you detailed some of the expenses paid last year to members of the judiciary at all levels, some of which seem generous in the extreme.

As a taxpayer I take exception to paying for judges’ wigs and gowns. These are an antiquated symbol of the elitism to which many members of the legal professions aspire. It is time wigs and gowns were discarded.

In my work I am expected to be well dressed to meet clients, but my employer does not give me any special payments to do so.

Recently I saw a photo of judges wearing top hats and morning suits at the funeral of a former judge. Again this is part of the elitism which I find nauseating and I hope the attire was not included in any expenses claim with which Joe Soap was burdened.

Thomas Comerford

The Old Orchard

Castlecomer Road

Kilkenny