Given the state of things, I was lucky to leave

AS a native of Cork, I am following the sad progress of the Irish meltdown on your website.

I want to compliment you on the quality of your paper. My dad was one of your reporters from before I was born until 1946 and manager of your Dublin office until he died in 1967.

I am appalled by the news that retiring TDs are getting hefty payouts and pensions. How can that sort of largesse and profligacy be condoned in a country that is almost bankrupt?

I think that Canadian government politicians get generous pensions but I am not aware of any one of them receiving approximately twice their annual pension in addition to their first year’s pension. I am amazed that Irish people who are facing cuts in their pensions put up with this inequity. I noted, however, that your minister of justice was entitled to a similar windfall so I assume that Irish politicians have passed legislation to ensure their financial future? Anyway, I think that this situation is a disgrace and I would not be surprised to hear of rallies and even riots in the streets because of it. I think I was lucky to migrate to Canada in 1954.

John Keohane

Edmonton

Canada