Overpaid politicians

IN self-justifying mode, Martin Mansergh says public service pay, with which politicians’ salaries are linked, has been reduced by 15%-20% (Letters, September 4).

That means the rates, on his own admission, were too high.

Decisions taken by himself and his cabinet colleagues resulted in salaries being paid across the political and public service sectors “increasing considerably between 2000 and 2008”.

It is ironic that not alone is he not saying sorry, but he is now looking for credit for reversing decisions that seem to have been unjustified in the first place.

Anthony Leavy

Shielmartin Drive

Sutton

Dublin 13