We should determine politicians’ pay

EVER since the budget there has been a huge outcry against the perceived unfairness of the burden imposed on the poorer section of the population, leaving the better-off almost untouched, except for having to pay increased road tax on their 4x4s.

Could anything else be expected from our politicians considering how cosseted they have made themselves?

Most of the ministers who were in charge of ruining — oops that should have been running — the country had not been re-elected, or retired, ripping off the taxpayers in the process and getting huge lump sums and outlandish pensions. Recently released figures clearly show what they think of themselves. While a district court judge had his salary of €147,961 reduced by €24,080 following the referendum, Bertie Ahern’s €152,331 pension was reduced for 2012 by €4,186 and Mary Harney’s €129,805 by €2,384.

Of course it must be said that our politicians are the only employees who decide for themselves what salary they get, what expenses they can claim, what hours they work and what holidays they take. We, the electorate, their employers, have no say in those matters. Isn’t it time that this changed?

Brendan Hurley

Ballinlough

Cork