Leading by example

RECENTLY Colm McCarthy made the valid point that a full year’s pay bill for every politician is less than a single day’s borrowing at current levels by the Irish state.

However, he has also admitted the public appetite for spending cuts would be enhanced by reductions in the levels of remuneration at the top of the public service. Here one presumes Mr McCarthy includes politicians.

We know that tackling TDs’ salaries and allowances, to say nothing of minister’s double (even triple) pensions, will not solve our economic woes.

However, we are also aware that doing so would at least set an example of “taking the pain”, of showing social solidarity and practical patriotism – in other words of showing all those qualities Mr Cowen and his cabinet colleagues are so keen others (often much less well off others) should show.

Bill O’Sullivan

Lime Trees Road

Maryborough

Rochestown Road

Cork