An abuse of privilege

I READ with interest (Irish Examiner, April 16) where you stated “Politicians’ trip to rugby match costs taxpayer €€2,000”.

What happened to Brian Cowen's plea for patriotism and everybody putting their shoulder to the wheel?

Does this only apply to taxpayers, over-70s and schoolchildren. I think this is a blatant abuse of privilege to be using government jets and helicopters as a means of getting to a rugby match or back to a constituency at the weekend, particularly as these people are already being supplied with a car and a driver.