Bizarre cost of reform - Ridiculous waste at a time of need

Even at the best of times life can throw up situations so bizarre, so off kilter that they challenge everyday logic to the extent that they make it difficult to know whether to laugh or to cry.

In these far from normal times laughing or crying might not suffice — oh, that they might. Rather, a deep, darkening despair and pain-in-the-chest anger are too often today’s unavoidable responses to the latest confirmation that we live in a world gone mad, a bankrupt Republic teetering on the brink of absolute, knavish absurdity.

Yesterday’s report that tax cheat and Wexford Dáil deputy Mick Wallace is claiming an extra parliamentary allowance of €41,000 is well-beyond laughing or crying. This €788 a-week payment is tax free.