Representatives baskingin their allowances

Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin cannot deliver cuts to allowances because he belongs to a very special group of cynical, cliche-ridden, unprincipled, elected representatives at all levels from the presidency to councillors.

They hold for dear life to what they have and redirect attention everywhere else.

Every TD costs us about €2m per year when you factor in accelerated pensions and mind-boggling loss of office provisions. How could he deliver when staff can throw this back across the pitch at Croke Park?

Leadership by example is unknown in Irish political life. The € 3.5m could be saved from TDs alone and by suspending the Senate a similar amount could be saved. He could also take away the ongoing pensions of all previous Attorneys General (in the national interest) or tax them at 99%.

Many left-wing TDs suggest a new tax rate for those earning over €100,000. Of course they will escape this despite a total income approaching €200,000, made up mainly of what? You guessed — our special allowances.

Ted Murphy

Ballincollig

Co Cork