New Year Resolution? Cut Ministers salaries in 2013

A local spokesperson for Sinn Féin has called on the government to make its own sincere new year's resolution by immediately enforcing wage cuts on politicians.  Responding to last week's revelation that Taoiseach Enda Kenny is still the third highest paid head of state in Europe before expenses, Fionntán O' Súilleabháin said that it was no wonder that the people of Ireland had lost all respect for our political system.

Mr O' Súilleabháin said;

"This is a new year and thousands of recession stricken families across this county will be hoping it can be a new start.  Our county has been decimated by long term unemployment, mass emigration and the social problems connected to the economic collapse.  The effects of seemingly endless austerity budgets wear away what little is left in the local economy and squeeze people to the very brink.  We are told this is the only way and that everyone is sharing the burden."

"Of course this is not the case."

"Last week it was revealed that Taoiseach Enda Kenny is still the third highest paid head of state in Europe before claiming expenses.  This is despite the fact that he earns €14,000 less than his Fianna Fail predecessors.  Mr Kenny earns €200,000 per year without counting expenses."

"In the recent budget decisions were taken to cut the children's allowance and the respite grant for the disabled.  No decision was taken to cut Mr Kenny's basic wage of over €3845 per week or the equally lucrative wages gained by other elected reps."

"Many left wing TDs only take the average industrial wage now but the rest of the money is still drawn by their organisations.  The only way to save the state the cost is to change the wage entitlements.  The Fine Gael and Labour coalition should be looking at  making these changes as soon as possible.  It will send the right message to the Irish people and perhaps restore some of their respect for the political system."