Eddie Hobbs: Ireland has lopsided, unequal, and socially unjust remuneration model

The only unknown is how much the largesse will be, but the least well-off in the most insecure jobs have always funded the higher pay and job security of those least at risk, says Eddie Hobbs

THE horse bolted a long time ago. Don’t kid yourself: the Government will capitulate to public wage demands. It’s just a question of the quantum.

In modernising Ireland and in making the private sector fit for purpose, by deregulating its protected elements under EU competition law, insiders such as taxis, air routes, grocers, pharmacists, hospital consultants, lawyers, dentists etc, set their faces against change, pleading that their special case — their grievance, their agreements and their undertakings — served the common good and was in the national interest.