Silent majority rage at privileged untouchables

THE indication that the Obama administration is to impose a cap of $500,000 (€388,000) on the executive salaries of those companies that receive large amounts of bailout money is in stark contrast to the circumstances prevailing in Ireland.

Our Government is on the brink of committing many billions of euro from the National Pension Reserve Fund to bail out feckless and irresponsible banks without getting any commitment on curtailment of grossly excessive levels of remuneration, benefits, bonuses and other perquisites, or to demand a change in the vainglorious and pathetic leadership of these businesses.

There has not even been a symbolic acknowledgement by the Government that its response to remedying the country’s economic difficulties should also involve the affluent, the privileged and the politically well-connected when they decided to mutilate the living standards of the silent majority.

Where is the basis of trust... of citizens really being convinced that their best interests are a primary consideration?

The productivity and effectiveness of a minister of state, for example, is as difficult to assess as the productivity and effectiveness of bishops.

But each of these ministers of state is provided with resources, staffing and perquisites that reflect the majestic trappings of an imperial age — with no apparent value added in return.

Their tendency almost exclusively to employ their own relatives further gilds this image. Nepotism is alive and well in privileged circles. The nation would not, however, disintegrate if more than half of them were to be stood down.

This Government had better realise that indeed there will be a transparent day of reckoning when the silent majority will bellow with anger and rage in response to these glaring inequities.

Myles Duffy

Bellevue Avenue

Glenageary

Co Dublin