Government must assert its authority

JUST last month, as EU leaders met in emergency session to try to stave off the collapse of Italy’s economy, Brian Kavanagh, the chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), was paid the balance of bonuses for 2008 and 2009.

The figures were €21,089 and €16,461 respectively, finalising bonus packages totalling €65,000 and €57,000. These bonuses were in addition to an annual salary close to €190,000.

In both of these years, Mr Kavanagh’s package surpassed that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who earns a comparatively modest €228,000 each year.