Link politicians’ pay to average industrial wage

Among the many constitutional cost-cutting recommendations James Gleeson makes in his recent letter (Oct 1) is to cap politicians’, councillors’ and political advisors’ pay at €150,000 per annum.

Writing any specific sum into the constitution is problematic, as it is a document that is not frequently updated. While €150,000 might seem quite generous today it might be a paltry sum in 30 or 40 years’ time, requiring another costly referendum to correct.

A far more effective solution would be an amendment making political salaries directly linked to the current average industrial wage, thus ensuring in one fell swoop that the political class finally take the plight of the working backbone of this country seriously. Politicians could be allowed a vouched-for-only expenses regime.