Public sector strikes cannot refill the benchmarking ‘ATM machine’

IN his response to my previous correspondence (December 17), Anthony Leavy is mistaken on a number of points (Letters, December 29).

First, I have not ignored the reason the state faces unprecedented fiscal challenges.

The blame for that quite rightly lies at the feet of the Government for its reckless fiscal policies.

But part of this reckless policy that’s of relevance to the public sector strikers is benchmarking, which seems to be a one-way operation. We benchmark up, but never down. Perhaps this is the “ATM machine for public servants” to which Joe O Toole once infamously referred? The ATM machine is now empty.

I’m not sure to which “media cheerleaders” for the Government, banks and builders Mr Leavy is referring as I have read nothing but widespread criticism of all three in recent years. Adding my two cents worth is a pointless luxury.

None of these – however powerful they may seem to Mr Leavy – has the power to bring the country to a halt as the public sector unions are threatening to do. In fact, many builders are now bankrupt themselves. I am glad to note that Brendan Richardson (Letters, December 29) now recognises the necessity of closing the €4 billion gap in the public finances. However, as he is no doubt aware, the gap in the public finances is of the order of €20bn and much as he may wish to ignore economic reality, there is no other way but to cut public sector pay. This gap would exist regardless of the banking crisis because it is structural in nature.

Mr Richardson would also do well to remember that the taxes raised in the “so-called free market” pay the wages of the public sector.

Finally, I agree with him that we should “work together in solidarity” to address the issues facing us. Twelve days unpaid leave and public sector strikes play no part in this.

James McGrath

Birchgrove

Hollyford

Co Tipperary