Labour look after their pals

In an inept attempt to defend the latest bit of cronyism by Joan Burton, David Begg bleated that the €20,500 that comes with his appointment to a State board was “not exactly a crock of gold”. (January 15).

Tell that to the lone parents Burton has attacked relentlessly since taking office, or the State pensioners who have had taxes and water charges heaped on them while scraping by on a pittance. To them, €20,500 is a fortune.

Maybe Mr Begg will donate the money to charity, or refuse the offer, insisting that it goes to someone who currently has no job — and pigs will spout wings.