Small steps towards a far better society

THERE were indications this week that we are moving towards a more sustainable society where the old, comfortable nudge-nudge corruption or the abuse of position will not be tolerated.

Dublin Airport Authority chief executive Declan Collier and his board had to eat humble pie in the face of the Government's determined intent to hold the line against bonuses in the state or semi-state sector. The Government had little choice; had it turned a blind eye to the featherbedding it would have lost a lot of the credibility essential in the months ahead.

Mr Collier’s pay and benefits package rose by 7.8% last year to €612,500. This included salary of €308,500 and pension contributions and other benefits totalling €182,100. As if all of that was not enough the DAA board agreed a €106,100 bonus for Mr Collier for 2010.