Indeed, he could have just not given the teachers pay rises this year or the government could have not given pay rises to public sector workers earning over €150'000... you're right; there were loads of choices.Don't fall for the spin. Batt has many other options open to him for saving money before hitting primary school kids. He could start with cutting the subsidy to private 3rd level colleges (i.e. tax relief on course fees) and the subsidy to private 2nd level schools (i.e. teachers salaries).