So how we are perceived by visiting politicians/ senior civil servants/ business people and a sense of respect for the highest executive office in our country is less important than penny pinching?
I have an idea here that would impress the visiting dignataries.. First why not have a world class airport in Dublin. Then a high speed rail link to the capital with seemless connections to all the other modes of transport in the city. Then high speed motorways to all other other major cities in the country. Now wouldn't that impress them (and us the taxpayer) far more than them having the ability to say "nice Georgian mansion Bertie"
What is it in our national mind-set that resents those in high office for the resources that have access to? I resent them for having access to resources because of the way they use or abuse them, plain and simple. I remember once in the dark old 80's signning on in Cumberland Street a few days late (due to sickness) after I have been made redundant but I could only claim from the date I signed on not like the deal given to an ex Minister on his pension this week. The more resources politicians in Ireland are given the more they abuse them for political purposes. The widespread corruption in the planning process in Dublin and in other areas is a case in point if further proof was needed. Other examples include the recent action in bumping up the numbers of Minister of State to 20 and giving nearly every TD a second invome from some non entity of a Committee job. Its time irish people woke up and smelt the coffee!!
And so they shouldn't - let them get a cheap flight as the mere mortals do. And as for state cars and drivers, they should have their own car and fund it out of a public sector mileage allowance, which is extremely generous, and let them pay for a driver out of that if they see fit.
Yes, it's called an election.Can there be a public vote of no confidence in our government ?
I agree with them that it's the system. I just wish any politicain had enough power to change the system, but they don't.Fintan O'Toole made a good point in the irish times a few days ago. He says the independent board that recommended the pay hikes did so on the grounds of the 'unique accountability' that Ministers have. However, having watched Mary Harney blame Susie Long's death on 'the system', Bertie did the same; Hanfin also blamed the 'education system' for shortcomings, you'd wonder where the accountability comes in. Only at the end of 4 years..........but even then the public nor even the rank-and-file membership of the party has any influence over the appointments of Taoiseach or Ministers.
If they claim a 'unique accountability' to justify these pay raises, let them take the bullet for the 'system's failings' and not hive it off.
I just wish any politicain had enough power to change the system, but they don't.
We all complain but is there any way to actually do anything about these pay rises ?
Who do you blame for this focus on local issues - the politicians or the voters?People mention elections but our system means the politics is about local issues. You could be the worst minister in the world at a national level but build a few schools in your local area, and you will be elected again and then you just have to hope your party gets into power and you are probably minister again.
... yes, that's a great idea!not pay taxes where possible ? not spending money in Ireland where possible ? ....its our taxes paying for these guys + their fat pensions + perks
... yes, that's a great idea!
Why, because it would bankrupt the country as well?Yeah, nearly as good as the one about giving Bertie an official residence
Maybe it's because he has more than enough money to buy his own residence like the rest of us!Why, because it would bankrupt the country as well?
Why, because it would bankrupt the country as well?
I agree with them that it's the system. I just wish any politicain had enough power to change the system, but they don't.
Exactly! - It's not "the system" it's the people running "the system". But we are to blame too because we need to make them listen to us by putting pressure on them to clean up imo. Not complaining about it on forums...If they can't change the system then what the hell are they doing there in the first place. System schmistim... it's always somebody (or something) elses fault. They do have the power to change the system.... that's their job. Whether they choose to exercise that power is another matter.
So what’s the solution? I don’t know but blaming the titular head of a government department for shortcomings that are institutional and have been the norm for generations is juvenile. Politicians are part of the problem and have to be part of the solution but they are only part of it.
The buck stops with the head of the relevant government department, nobody else. It is their responsibility and theirs alone. They are the leaders and decision makers. By all accounts that's why they award themselves exhorbitant salaries. This isn't a juvenile argument, it's a fact. Whether they choose to exercise the power entrusted to them is their responsibility and ultimately ours come the next election. Being defeatist and shrugging our shoulders certainly won't change things. If they want to change institutional shortcomings they have the power to do it. Have they the will though?
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