All not in the same boat for austerity

Juno McEnroe (Irish Examiner, May 8) writes “Austerity bites for the country’s diplomats.”

Your Letters page also deals with the term “austerity.”

It begs the question: how does the “recession” affect people on different incomes?

Some people are expected to survive on €200 a week, while others are living on €2,000 a week.

Are the overpaid politicians feeling the effects of austerity?

Are the Government advisers, the higher civil servants, the RTÉ prima donnasand the hospital consultants feeling the pinch?

We all, rich and poor, pay the same price for a loaf of bread.

One thing is certain: there’s no such concept as “poor countries”, only poor people.

As the theory goes, “we’re all in the same boat.”

So why are the poor doing all the rowing?

Michael O’Donnell

Old Youghal Road

Cork