Madam, – It was uplifting to hear President Mary McAleese, speak on Morning Ireland so positively about the cut-backs we should all be making, whether in the public or private sector.
To hear our President, who is above politics, inform us that she has taken a salary cut of 10 per cent and cut the running expenses of her household by 12.5 per cent is setting a tremendous example to the people of Ireland, whatever their political beliefs.
As a self-employed business man with a staff of 15 people in the private sector where hundreds are losing their jobs daily, I hope the trade union leaders will take note of the example taken by our President and not influence their members to take to the streets – which can only do damage to those fortunate enough to still have jobs in the private sector.
It does not take much common sense to work out that if our economy has been reduced in size to 2003 levels then the public service has also to reduce in size, either by reducing the numbers employed or, preferably, a reduction in salaries and pensions.
The example set by our President is a gleam of hope for us all. – Yours, etc,