Updated: Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 4:59pm

Comments () | Print | Email |

Politicians need to examine themselves

Dear sir - I have watched with interest over the last number of weeks the ingenious spin doctors at work within the government trying to hoodwink the electorate into thinking the recession is over, while the greedy politicians neglect to address the ongoing expenses of the public representatives. They address the stag hunting when they should be keeping centres of excellence open like St Luke's Hospital, they should be tackling the unemployment, looking at their own expenses, and seeking some recompence from the banks and bogus builders who overvalue their properties.

I am sure I am not alone when I ask the politicians to be honourable when claiming expenses. I have often wondered why politicians get pensions on leaving office as some of them are not 65, severance pay should be introduced on leaving office before their 65th year and should be on a pro rata basis depending on the amount of years in service just like all other jobs. There should be receipts given for all expenses incurred, state cars should only be given to a serving taoiseach and a serving president. First class travel to foreign countries should be reimbursed at the budget rate and if an upgrade is required it should be borne by the traveller. Our politicians are almost the best paid in the world but I can't understand why they need wages at all because the taxpayer appears to be paying all their bills including creche, hairdressers, fashion, travel, gym membership, constituency staff, meals, gifts to foreign dignitaries, holidays, phone and internet connection, correspondence, subsistance allowances, parking, and security. I know the people of Ireland would have respect for any politician who is prepared to take the unpalatable stance of proposing these changes which affect themselves.

Ivor Callelly may be the scapegoat but now is the time to address these issues, our green politicians think we are green when we see them cycling or walking to work, yet the state car is not too far behind. I would like to know, how many trips out of the country have the greens taken? It is time the politicians looked at themselves before the poorer people in our society are fleeced. Two politicians in each county is all that is needed. Now thats what I call a saving. Which politician is prepared to take these issues on board? Is that a deafening silence I hear? Where are your spin doctors now, my friends?

Cathy Daniel,

Enfield.