The new poor

A HEADLINE in the Irish Examiner of April 12 stopped me in my tracks: ‘Glanbia chiefs see 2005 salaries slashed’.

I had visions of another Irish Ferries situation with mass demonstrations and perhaps someone like Christy Moore being moved to write a song in protest. Even soup kitchens came to mind.

I then went on to read the accompanying report which told us that the people involved had ‘earned‘ mere sums like €642,000, €420,000 and €426,000, while one poor devil was expected to exist on a paltry e196,000 for six months’ employment.