The Irish ‘mé féin’ attitude is at the heart of our economic problems

If ever there was an example of why those still living in Ireland have learnt nothing from the crash the court case taken by hospital consultants provides all the answers.

The most pampered of the public sector took a court case because pay increases promised in return for changed to work patterns (that have not been delivered) were not paid. Unsurprisingly the people who decided the court case, who live in the same delusional world as consultants, agreed with the consultants.

Of course the most important thing to bear in mind is the hypocrisy of the political class . When Mr Noonan argues that there is no money for these pay rises he is of course deflecting.

He won’t admit that when he returned to government in 2011 he too had his own hand out for a pay rise, even though the country was bankrupt.

Not one member of this government had the ethical standards to decline the pay rise that came with return to government. Not one of them publishes receipts for the tax free expenses they claim. Not one of them has the integrity to stop claiming accommodation allowances for Dublin properties, long since bought and paid for. These are the same people who touch up their members for funding for the coming election.

So, while the brass neck of the consultants is a sight to behold, it doesn’t come as a surprise as that type of person has always been followed the mé féin Irish mentality.

But don’t lose sight of the fact that there has been zero leadership on salaries, expenses, allowances or pensions in the public sector. So why should consultants or anyone else be shy about putting their two hands back in the pigs trough.

The fact we are still borrowing to fund the running of the country and pay a staggering daily interest bill on national debt will be lost on them.

Anyone who votes for this government again deserves everything they get.

Desmond FitzGerald

Canary Wharf

London