Madam, - So the talks on a new national pay agreement are stalled or abandoned. The Taoiseach says we need a period of reflection until the end of the month.
I dare say a pay freeze or cut is less of a burden for those whose annual income is five or more times the average industrial wage than for those around or below the average.
I propose, therefore, that those on such higher incomes - the leaders of business and industry, high-earning professionals, entertainers, etc - use Mr Cowen's period of reflection to come to an agreement that they will limit their incomes voluntarily to a maximum of perhaps five times the average industrial wage for the next three years. This should include all fringe benefits and bonuses.
Their number must be small relative to the number of low-paid workers, so this measure would not of itself solve the problem we face. But it would be an encouraging public sign that high earners are really committed to reaching a new agreement. Without such a public commitment, or something similar, the already high level of their incomes contributes to the severity of the problem. It also damages the credibility of their leaders in any talks. - Yours, etc,
PÁDRAIG McCARTHY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.