Sir, It is heartening to learn that Anglo Irish Bank’s chief executive Mike Aynsley has requested Michael Fingleton, the former chief executive of Irish Nationwide, which Anglo has recently acquired, to return the €11,500 watch he received upon his retirement, in addition to the by now notorious €1 million bonus he got prior to his retirement (Home News, August 3rd).
Mr Aynsley is appalled at Mr Fingleton’s lack of moral fibre and finds his actions “disgraceful” and has appealed to his better nature to “do the right thing at this difficult time for the country”.
Well said, Mr Aynsley. But surely this cannot be the same Mike Aynsley who, despite Anglo having lost €17 billion last year, still got paid a salary of €940,000? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – It appears Anglo is appealing for the return of a watch presented to Michael Fingleton.
I would respectfully suggest a more substantial time machine would be needed to get us back from where we are now to where we used to be, given all that has happened. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Surely the focus should be on the obviously questionable judgment of those who decided to dip into Anglo’s assets to fund the gift of the watch?
Presumably the board of directors must have known the organisation was in a catastrophic financial state.
And if they didn’t know, does this not bring into question their fundamental duty of responsibility?
I hope the relevant organs of State will not only make the necessary inquiries, but also follow up with appropriate actions. – Yours, etc,