Irish Examiner view: Time we had fair pension for all

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is in line for a €17,000-a-year pension rise.

The outrage over the announcement that former taoisigh are in line for a €17,000-a-year pension rise is not softened by the fact that some retired politicians have announced they will not take the rise. That 4,000 of the highest-paid civil servants will enjoy “pay restoration” adds to that anger, even though these groups suffered significant pay cuts under emergency measures. That these changes come just as myriad businesses struggle to sustain employment is hardly helpful either.

No fair-minded person will begrudge anyone a decent pay packet or pension if it is justified. Nevertheless, the anger at this announcement is fuelled by a subtext, one no government has done anything to confront, much less resolve.