MAEVE T. BURKE,
Sir, - May I suggest a simple measure as a huge saving to us, the taxpayers of Ireland? The Taoiseach could lead by example with the cut-backs - sorry, the "reduction in the increases" - by dismissing his legion of spindoctors/ advisers, without any golden handshake.
Their advice and "spinning" must have played a huge part in deceiving the electorate with regard to the public finances. Their job was to promote the "feel-good factor" and, with the help of the media, dismiss any warning signals from the opposition as "sour grapes". I am sure our Teflon Taoiseach would only be too glad to let the mud stick elsewhere. - Yours, etc.,
MAEVE T. BURKE, Abbey, Loughrea, Co Galway.