Taoiseach’s token pay cut hardly an inspirational act in the national interest
This unity of purpose would be greatly served by his shouldering a more meaningful portion of the austerity measures required of the nation. It’s not about the sums or savings involved – it’s about our leader communicating to us, through action as well as rhetoric, both the perilous situation the economy is in and the sacrifice required of us.
Nobody is looking for messianic self-denial, but a pay cut which retains our leader’s position among the highest paid heads of state in the EU (while having the highest EU deficit and one of the highest jobless rates) is more token than meaningful and hardly constitutes an inspirational act in the national interest.
The absence of leadership in this regard is reflected in the disunity within the workforce: the public sector’s refusal to take pay cuts and the ongoing conflict between the public and private sectors.
Each group considers itself victimised and seeks to justify its own stance by selectively highlighting (perceived and real) conditions enjoyed by the other.
Our recent history is peppered with examples of self-serving greed and dishonesty by those who have held power and influence. Small wonder then that Joe Bloggs isn’t inclined to give up his own piece of the pie. Surely, if we are to have unity of purpose, the culture of mé-féinism permeating our society must be visibly discarded, starting at the uppermost layer of power and influence. Maybe only a temporary measure is required, say over a three-year period. The crisis (hopefully) is transient so the duration of the response should match accordingly.
The Taoiseach referred to the patriotism of Seán Lemass – well now is his opportunity to look to his own legacy.
We may be more inclined to march in step if we have someone to follow.
Diarmuid Linehan
Springfort
Montenotte
Cork
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