Bruton preaching austerity is a bit rich

If former taoiseach John Bruton wants to preach, he should give up his €140,000 per annum pension, wrote Matt Cooper recently.

For a man telling Irish citizens they need to tighten their belts, Bruton is on a large stipend from the ISFC, and was EU ambassador to the US.

Bruton has reportedly said that he will not hand back his pension unless the Government legislates to cut pensions for all public servants. Between international bankers and the Iona Institute, Bruton is unavoidable.

There is an easy way of not listening to him. When he speaks, I think “we’re paying that fella €2,692 per week and he’s telling us to tighten our belts”. The pounding in my ears drowns him out.

Donal O’Keeffe

Fermoy

Co Cork