Government leadership - Do as I say, not as I do

Government members have been vocal about the need for economic cuts, but they have provided very little leadership by example. They did cut their own salaries by 10%, but that was after raising them in a patently extravagant way.

We still have one of the most expensive governments in the world. It could, and should, be cutting back in many areas. The number of junior ministers greatly increased in recent years, a move that was little more than jobs for the boys.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey essentially endorsed the Green Party’s call for those to be reduced. Minister of State Seán Power bravely agreed. In the circumstances he could well find his own position eliminated, so he deserves the credit for acknowledging what most people will recognise as a necessity.