Bonus row highlights unfair distribution of wealth

THE latest spat between those in high places in receipt of large bonuses and the Government surely highlights two glaring problems in this country.

The first is the grossly unfair distribution of wealth generally, and secondly, the ongoing scandal of the plethora of quangos and boards here.

Has the minister considered the simple questions of whether we need a board in the first place to run these semi-state organisations, and if it is required to satisfy some legal requirement or other, do we need so many individuals on them? Aside from this, Leo Varadkar gave the clear impression that he and the Government have a problem with individuals taking more than their share out of the national pie.

If that is the case then again the solution is not only simple but many regard as necessary if we are to get through this mess in one piece.

The way to control incomes is by setting new tax bands to focus on all high end income and applying appropriate tax rates once incomes exceed a certain level.

While Mr Varadkar might see the injustice of the present position whereby certain individuals are allowed to take what they like from the pot, it is odd that he and his colleagues cannot see the solution.

Could it be that doing the right thing with regard to distribution and control of incomes will never materialise while the decision-makers themselves are among those that the present two-band, low-tax-rate system benefits the most?

Jim O’Sullivan

Rathedmond

Sligo